Latest New Adult Reads (1)

I'm trying something new! I borrowed and read The Sweet Thing recently and I wanted to review it but at the same time, I didn't have a whole lot to say. Then I started looking back on all the NA books I've read so far this year and thought doing mini-reviews might be fun and easy to do. Which it was! Plus it lets me tell you which ones I've really enjoyed and would recommend checking out.

The Sweet Thing by Renée Carlino

Summary: Mia Kelly is a Ivy League grad, classically trained pianist, beloved daughter. Yet Mia is torn between putting her business degree to use and exploring music, her true love. When her father unexpectedly dies, she moves to New York to take over her father's café, a treasured institution that plays host to undiscovered musicians. She's denied herself the unpredictable life of a musician, but a chance encounter with Will, a charming guitarist, offers her a glimpse. When Will becomes her friend and roommate, she does everything in her power to suppress her passions - for him and for music. (from goodreads)
The good: Whenever the two main characters, Mia and Will, got together — talk about chemistry. I loved their meet-cute, the musical energy between them, how the book takes place in NYC (I’m always a sucker for a NYC setting). I was basically screaming at these two to get together after like 5 pages.
(Some) reservations: I wasn't too crazy about the writing or dialogue (how many times can one person say baby?) and the characters were not compelling on their own. The girl in particular grated on my nerves as the book progressed. I understood her fears but they culminated in ways that were hurtful and difficult to sympathize with.
Do I recommend?: It was okay, I didn't love it as much as I hoped I would. What kept me reading to the end was the chemistry basically.

Before You Break (Between Breaths #2) by Christina Lee 

Summary: Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Ella Abrams has suffered heartache but she hides behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working the suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore. Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling. (from goodreads)
The good: What I enjoy about Christina Lee’s NA books is that she attempts to deviate from the story lines I typically associate with NA and her characters are always likable. Daniel is this mix of brooding, smoldering and just plain good, even though he has a hard time seeing that part. But he's always kind when it comes to Ella. Ella has some heartache of her own (past and present) to deal with and I liked that she was this girly girl who could also just hang out with the guys. She works hard, is kind and even volunteers at the suicide helpline to help others. When these two start spending time together.. talk about some heated moments!
(No) reservations: I did expect more sexy times (haha).
Do I recommend?: I do, I liked it! But I have to say I enjoyed her first book (All of You) more.

Be With Me by J. Lynn / Jennifer L. Armentrout

Summary: Tessa Hamilton is having a rough year—in love with her big brother’s best friend, got out of a terrible relationship and now an injury is threatening to end her dance career. It’s time for Plan B – college and a chance with Jase. Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister but he can't stop thinking about her. As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. (from goodreads)
The good: Both Tessa Hamilton and Jase Winstead have troubling pasts and a shared history. If you've read Wait For You, you already know what Tessa's is but Jase's definitely surprised me. Both topics are difficult but handled really well and explained a lot about each person. It made wanting these two to find happiness together that much stronger. Also, the hot chemistry between them helped too. And I have to mention both Cam and Avery are in this book as well (yay!).
(Super minor) reservations: For me, I couldn't help comparing them to Cam and Avery from the previous book. I just love that couple so much so I still love the first book more.
Do I recommend?: Yes! This shouldn't surprise you since you all know I'm a JLA fan. But if you haven't read Wait For You / Trust In Me yet, read those first.

The Marked Men series by Jay Crownover 

My own summary: Hot men in the form of tattoo artists, musicians and ex-soldiers. In other words, every woman's fantasy. And all the women in this series are kickass, awesome and believe not only in love but female friendship. Plus there's chemistry, sweet moments and sexy times. All good things in a NA series.
The good: It's strange, while I don't particularly love all the books in this series, there is also something extremely addictive about them. There's four in total (and in this order): Rule, Jet, Rome and Nash (haven't read this one yet!). I really, really liked Rule, Jet was okay and I liked Rome. Which is pretty much how I felt about the men themselves too. Rule is my favorite of the bunch and his love interest, Shaw is also my favorite of the Marked women. I loved their romance, chemistry and the individual characters. They just resonated with me the most.
(Some) reservations: Just that Jet and Rome didn't quite live up to Rule romance/chemistry or character-wise. At least for me. But they were still entertaining! (Also, try not to judge the covers.)
Do I recommend?: I do! Especially Rule. And the 4th book, Nash, just came out which I can't wait to read.

Happy reading!