The One I Gave My Heart To (book 2) By Mercedes G

Rating 4.5 out of 5
Recommend: yes!

This one would have gotten a 5 but there were too many grammatical errors that messed up a perfect score. Now that I am over the language, I just hope she hires a good editor to get her stuff together.

It took me a few hours to finish this one and I can't wait for the next book.

Book 1 left out with a bang. Literally. And this book kept me on the edge of my seat also! Book 3? I will be waiting.

So, if you have not read the first book...do not pass go, don't collect $200. I know you need that money, but now that I can speak freely about things that happened in book 1, go home, you will collect your cash later.

*spoilers ahead*

At the end of book, Mia went to visit Dola (against his wishes) and discovered the love of her life between two vending machines, having sex with a random chic. Yes, honey. He was getting it in and my jaw dropped. Poor Kelsi gets shot in the end of book 1 by Ruth's psycho girlfriend.

Yeah...book 2 makes you fall in deeper with Dola. And all I will hint at is birthday scene...oooh...hot! Lol read it.

Sharing Rylee by D. Kelly

Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommend: yes. But only if you're okay with mm mfm situations. Like seriously, if you're not into reading this type of stuff...not even a little bit, put it down. This is also a stand alone book, but it is connected to Chasing Cassidy which was written first, so if you have plans to read that, don't read this first due to spoilers.

Took me about a day and a half to read this book. I honestly don't even know how to review this book. It's romantic and heartfelt and sad. It is also hot and steamy and sexy.

Rylee is young and lost. I mean, what woman in her 20s actually knows herself? She is confused by her sexuality and seeks out therapy. Her sex therapist does nothing but encourage her to be who she is. And what is that? In love with two men. But there is a little more to that. She is in love with two men, but wishes they love each other. Crazy, right? Don't judge her.

Nick and Rylee have known one another since they were kids and have been having a secret relationship since they were old enough to do so. Nick is a lawyer. Professional and in love with Rylee. But Rylee is closed off because she thinks he would never accept her for who she is.

Pete is Rylee's twin brother's friend (nick is also her brother's bestie and enemy to Pete...but for reasons you wouldn't believe). And the two are falling head over heals for one another.

There's so much history between the trio and so many secrets that I do not want to give one bit away. It was difficult to read some of the sex scenes at first, but I'm open-minded and non-judgmental, so I went with it. And I really loved this love story. Yes. Yes, I did.

The One I Gave My Heart by Mercedes G

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Recommend: if you need something to read to pass the time. It is a part of a series and the second part is being released on the 15th, I will be reading it. So, I guess it wasn't too bad, right?

Soooo...I love me a good hood book. But I want a hood book that I'm not cringing at every other curse word and "n" word. It's just not for me. So if that bothers you to the point where you can't read it, don't read this book. It was entertaining to read, but there are plenty of grammatical errors (I hope that Mercedes G's career takes off so she can hire her a good editor). But that's my warning to you all.

If you want to be entertained, you will be. About a quarter into the book, I found myself interested in what was going to happen with the rest of the characters. It took me a minute to see past the curse words and actually enjoy the book.

But here's a rundown of the characters:

Mia- she's independent, hardworking and the main character of the book. Even though the book is told from the perspective of different people, it is clear that she is the main focus and everyone else revolves around her. She quickly falls for Dola- he's good looking and everyone knows who he is because...drugs...sigh. *side note mind thought* Can I get you all who write Urban Novels to figure something out and give us more character and substance...thank you... Anyway, Dola. The entire time reading the book I pronounced it Dolla. Shame on me. Doe-la is the correct way. He's a drug dealer. All the ladies want him. He is fine as hell. Blah, blah, blah. Typical mumbo jumbo.

Then there's Mia's friends Terri and Kelsi. Terri is battling with whether or not she wants to be a lesbian, knock her baby daddy in the head, and/or fall for Dola's boy Sy. Meanwhile, Kelsi gives it up to his boy Ruth the morning after meeting him...and...well...drama ensues shortly after. I won't give it away.

I think Mercedes G could do a little better with giving her characters more depth to them. She doesn't describe them all but for Dola's darker member and Mia's thickness and bob. Maybe she calls one of them a linebacker with dreads. I don't know. But yeah. Give me more substance and a little less drama.

Why do I wish to read book 2 if I didn't really care for this one you ask?

Because the cliffhangers at the end of the book need to be answered for me. So now I wait 3 days. Ugh.

Into the The Tomorrows By Whitney Barbetti

Rating: 5 out 5
Recommend: heck yes (but warning...this is book one of a series and the next book has not been released yet).

Let me start off by saying that I know it has been over a month since my last review and I skipped 2 books. I can't do it. I couldn't read them. They were....ugh. Also, I was pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on June 29th. And while I am on the topic, I posted in Colleen Hoover's fb fan group about needing support and positive vibes and a fellow Cohort sent me this book. I am forever thankful.

So...where to begin?

Trista. Trista was born to a mother who didn't care much about her. She didn't care much about anyone except for herself. Leaving Trista to be alone in this big world. Until she met her best friend, Ellie (have tissues ready when you read this) and soon after her boyfriend, Collin. But for years Trista identified as Ellie's friend or Collin's girlfriend. She didn't know what it meant to be Trista. And how many of us can relate to this?

This is part of the reason why I gave this book a 5. It was super relateable. I found myself thinking, "wow, I feel like I'm dating a Colin."

Colin. He is so disconnected from Trista and holding on to a promise he made to Ellie. He's a selfish prick. But I will let you formulate your own opinions.

But then...Trista meets Jude. Tattooed. Nature smelling. Hotness of a man Jude. Yes. He's my book boyfriend this time around. Yes...yes...I have book boyfriends. Don't judge me. But Jude turns Trista's world upside down. Or maybe right side up.

"We seek out the people we need, but that doesn’t mean they need us too."

This book gives perspective and things to think about when it comes to relationships with others and self.

Read it!!