Kulti by Mariana Zapata

It's official...Mariana Zapata is one of my favorite authors. Her way of introducing her characters and the way she makes them work for their relationship and feelings is such a breath of fresh air! Kulti is one of those books that has been sitting on my TBR pile for months and months. I never found the time to read it and always pushed it back because of how long it is. It wasn't until I was off for three days straight that I decided to attack this monster. It did not disappoint. Kulti is a soccer book, but it’s so much more than that! It’s fun, heartwarming and all around fantastic!

So...review, let's go!

“Trust me, I’ve wanted to punch you in the face a time or five.”

When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to. 

It didn't take a week for 27-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she'd seen in the international soccer icon - why she'd ever had his posters on her wall or ever envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.

Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who hadn't known she'd existed. So she isn't prepared for this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team's season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the explosive, passionate man he'd once been.

Ooh, this book was unexpected! 

The rivalry with other teams. Do you have to be a football fan to enjoy this book? I don't think so ... then again, I was the Mom who was signing her 4 year olds up for the local football leagues. And they loved it. They still love soccer. They played for Varsity and Junior Varsity at school, got to travel to different countries with their school. I was the one who paid a fortune when our National team had a new jersey released.

Kulti...Kulti, Kulti, Kulti, he was exactly the alpha, arrogant, and rude in the beginning that you would expect. He is mean and doesn't offer advice to the Pipers and this does not go good for Sal. Sal is one of the most fun, entertaining and refreshing heroines. She’s relatable, interesting, and being in her head is never annoying or boring. She loves the sport like her dad (who is just adorable!) so she expects more form him, especially since she was such a BIG FAN of his. 

“You know your reputation is just what everyone else thinks of you, your character is what you really are.”

There was one particular moment that I felt that Kulti wasn't going to get my approval and this isn't really a spoiler since it's a scene that proves on his trait of being a straight up dick. Sal's dad is a HUGE Soccer fan. I was so mad after Kulti embarrassed him for no reason, but relaxed after he apologized and did him a huge fan service. Maybe because Sal's dad reminds me of my mother and how much of a huge futbol fan she is.

“People are going to judge you regardless of what you do, Sal. Don’t listen to what they have to say because at the end of the day, you’re the one that has to live with your choices and where they take you. No one else is going to live your life for you.”

The only other thing that I would've changed was the ending. Don't get me wrong, I liked the way everything played out. I just wanted more. It took so long for Sal and Kulti to get their HEA and after all the time spent describing every detail of every game, I felt like more time should've been dedicated to them as a couple. After all, I waited long enough to get there.

“You are my best friend, my love, my playmate and my teammate. You’ll have a team with me wherever we are, with whatever we’re playing.”

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would go back and read certain scenes that pulled on my heartstrings. I love the way Mariana did her homework when it came to the beloved sport of futbol (like my mother says it). Plus, this being my third book by Mariana...she keeps on proving why I follow her.

Thanks for reading!

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The Moth and the Flame by B.B. Reid

The Moth and the Flame by B.B. Reid

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 20, 2019

Cover Designer: Humble Creations

Photographer: Rafa G. Catala

Cover Model: Vicente Romero Cerro

THE FLAME

Here lies Louchana Valentine. She was a homeless, orphaned virgin.

I never cared what my gravestone would say until I landed in deep with a powerful gangster. Lucky for me, my best friend happens to be ruthless too. I should feel guilty that he’s forced to turn on the man who’s been a father to him. Except I’ve always known that Wren’s soul wasn’t as black as he claimed.

He was good.

He was beautiful.

He was mine.

He just didn’t know it yet.

And with Wren keeping me safe, I’ve got time left to rewrite the end of my story. But if he has his way, virgin is already carved in stone.

THE MOTH

I’ve never known anyone as alluring as Lou. Or as frustrating. Since the night she saved my life and stole my wallet for her troubles, I couldn’t stay away.

She became my onus.

My light.

My…anyway.

With nowhere to run, I’m forced to trust someone I never expected. At least with Lou safe in Blackwood Keep—far away from me—I’ll die with my conscience intact. Because she no longer looks at me with friendship in her eyes. Those iridescent blues shine with a different need entirely, and I’ve never been able to deny her.

It is strongly advised that you read The Peer and the Puppet before diving into The Moth and the Flame. Content suitable for ages 18+.

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About B.B. Reid: B.B. Reid is a bestselling author of new adult romance. She grew up the only daughter and middle child in a small town in North Carolina. After graduating with a Bachelors in Finance, she started her career at an investment research firm while continuing to serve in the National Guard. She currently resides in Charlotte with her moody cat and enjoys collecting Chuck Taylors and binge-eating chocolate. Please visit her website for more information: www.bbreid.com

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Well Suited by Staci Hart

But first, I needed to find Theodore Bane and tell him I was having his baby.

I am a bit obsessed with these Red Lipstick Coalition books Staci Hart has been putting out, and I was equal parts sad and excited to read this one. Sad, because it's an ending to this group I love so much, and excited, because Theo and Katherine! I am so in love with this couple and this book. Accidental pregnancy, a swoon and amazing hero, a stubborn and analytical heroine- it was perfect. 

Now to the review!

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago.

Who: one night stand.

How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

Genetically, he’s the cream of the crop. His musculature is a study in symmetry and strength, his height imposing and dominant. He is a man who thrives on control and command, a man who survives on intelligence and resourcefulness. A perfect male specimen.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.

Katherine and Theo meet through Amelia and Tommy (From Work in Progress) when they all go out dancing one night. It is very unlike Katherine, but something about Theo draw her to him. They end up having one amazing and passion filled night together. Theo tries after that to get in touch with Katherine, but she's not having it. Until she shows up at his door weeks later. Pregnant. 

Theo and Katherine are both excited and nervous about this, and decide to co-parent together. Theo wants to be there every step of the way. He wants to be the father he never had. Theo is all in and wants Katherine to live with him so he can be near the baby. Katherine is a bit stubborn and it takes some encouragement from Theo to get her to move in, I mean, how much easier would it be if they cohabited? As friends and partners of course... But these two couldn't stay away from each other if they tried. Katherine is okay with that, as long as she follows her rules. She doesn't believe in love and doesn't want things to be complicated, but at the same time she wants the very best for her baby and she can't seem to stay away from Theo. 

Feelings were false, brain chemicals and triggered dendrites. Love wasn’t real. It was a series of chemosignals that one became addicted to. Nothing more. There was no magic to love. Because magic didn’t exist. Not for me. But partnership did.

Every time Katherine called the baby an embryo, I giggled because it's so expected of her. The way she described it and pointed out that it still had a tail. I love her! Another thing I love about these characters is how they carry so many traits that people can see in themselves. With Katherine, I love that she is intelligent and straight forward, she has no filter and can come out as being rude. But I love her either way!

"Well, no one was here, and his sperm had created the embryo. It doesn't seem that unrealistic that I'd go straight to him."

Theo is a man who always wanted to have a whole family of his own. His father left his mother causing her to work multiple jobs to take care of her twin boys. Teddy, Theo's brother was the daredevil while Theo took on the maintenance of the home. He learned how to cook and help look out for all the shenanigans Teddy got into. As they grew into men, their mother became ill. The brothers were very protective of her and when Teddy's writing career took off, the family decided to present a different picture of their lives. They didn't want their mother's privacy invaded. Teddy became the focus on social media, Theo became the manager and controlled all of the events. With the writing a success, these men were able to make the mother's life easier and Theo made sure everything fell into place for all of them.

These two are completely magnetic together. Theo is the best of the best. He's the sweetest, most patient, and exactly the type of partner Katherine needed. Now Katherine, there were moments I wanted to scream at her to open her eyes! But I understood why she was that way, and once she opened up, she was wide open. I loved these two together. I was also happy to see some of the other characters from this series I love so much! 

"That’s the beauty of love. It can be whatever you need it to be. You can make your own rules.”

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book. It was such a good conclusion to this series and this group of friends. I really hope I get to see these characters in other books. Give me all the Staci Hart rom-com books forever and ever. This series has made me giddy and happy and I've straight up fallen in love with all of these books. Last year, 'Player' made it on to my top favorites list of the year. I have no doubt that both of the Bane's brothers books will be on it this year! If you haven't checked out this series, what are you waiting for? This book is funny, sweet, smart, sexy, and heartwarming. 

If ever there was a man who was my exact match, my most perfect equal, it was Theo.

Thanks for reading!
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Red Lipstick Coalition Series
Piece of Work: Review Coming Soon!
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Player: Review Coming Soon!
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Work in Progress: Review
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Well-Suited
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*These are available on Kindle Unlimited

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Well Suited by Staci Hart Blog Tour!

Well Suited, the final standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition Series from Staci Hart, is available now!

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago. Who: one night stand. How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

Genetically, he’s the cream of the crop. His musculature is a study in symmetry and strength, his height imposing and dominant. He is a man who thrives on control and command, a man who survives on intelligence and resourcefulness. A perfect male specimen.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.

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About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey.

From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci:

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Boyfriend Bargain by by Ilsa Madden-Mills

So, I am a sports-romance fan it is one of my favorite tropes. I haven't read a book by Ilsa Madden-Mills so this is a first for me. I've seen her name pop-up when it comes to the NA community so when I was offered to receive an ARC for this book


Here is the review!

Wanted: one hot guy with rock-hard abs and a big stick.

Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad boy athletes . . . until she’s forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all.

If only he knew she was alive. 

Her mission? Get on this hockey player’s radar any way possible.

Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom—but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does—frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love.

But after one (um, two) smoking-hot hookups, he’s done with pretending and vows to make their fake relationship real. Too bad she can’t trust a player with a reputation for breaking hearts.

Will this hockey star score his forever girl or will their Boyfriend Bargain end in heartbreak? 

A standalone hockey romance

Ilsa introduces us to a new world of athletes and to characters we will be seeing in the future. I can already tell you I'll be following this series as it continues on. Maybe it's because I just need to known what happens to these characters!

Sugar Ryan, didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in her mouth like the rest of the kids who go to her university. She’s had to work her butt off to pay for her tuition and has her sights on attending Vanderbilt Law School after graduation. Sugar is on the wait list and thinks that with a little help from the biggest player on the hockey team, that she might be able to finagle an acceptance letter. The only obstacle is that she and Zack don’t run in the same social circles, but she’s determined to get his help.

“Yeah. The emperor penguin, which is what yours is, mates for life, and when the female goes out to get food, the male stays behind and keeps the eggs warm. She might be gone for two months, but he won’t eat or move until she comes back to him.”

Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom, but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does—frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love.

She’s everything. She’s Mine. She’s a symbol of me getting life right. My Love, my hope. Always.

A wee bit of stalking later, she corners him down at a Kappa house party and sets her plan in motion. The boyfriend bargain is set in glue but those plans come with a set of rules. No sex,, a few kisses here and there, and a strictly one month rule, no use of the name babe, and absolutely above all else no falling in love.

I love you. Forever. He was never really mine. I turn from them and walk away.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Overall, I enjoyed this book but it's not the best book I have ever read. It kind of reminded me of another book in the beginning but it is different as the story goes on. This hit me in all the feels. Once I started this I didn’t put it down, seconds, minutes, hours, ceased to exist. It flowed perfectly, I connected with the characters fully, I fell in love head over heels. I devoured this in record time.

Thanks for reading!

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*Can be read on Kindle Unlimited

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