kandisteiner's reviews
609 reviews

It has been a LONG time since I've been this speechless when it comes to describing how much I loved a book. In fact, the last time I felt like this was when I read The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre. But when it comes to Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan, I truly believe there are no words to accurately describe how much my heart, my soul, my entire BEING was wrapped up in these pages.

Long Shot is the most brutally honest and beautiful romance novel I have ever read, and undoubtedly my top read of 2018.

"Even when you think you're defeated, dig deeper. Go harder. Press, because there is something worth it on the other side."

I have wanted to read a Kennedy Ryan book for a while now, and as much as I'm kicking myself for waiting, I'm also SO happy that Long Shot was my first read by her. It was such an incredible experience, from the very first word to the very last, and it's absolutely a book I'll never forget.

If you know anything about me and my "type" of books, then you know I CRAVE the real, the raw, the honest. I long for love that burns a little, that doesn't come easily, and Long Shot cured all these cravings and then some. Kennedy Ryan's writing is outstanding and emotional, and it will keep you captivated as you devour Iris and August's love story. If you think it will hurt, you're right. If you think you'll cry, you can count on it. And if you think you'll feel healed in the end, you've never been more spot on in your entire life.

"We may soar, but we land. Not always on our feet, and sometimes so awkwardly that our bones break."

There are so many elements of this story I loved, but what I loved MOST was how fearlessly Kennedy Ryan tackled the taboo subject of abuse -- specifically in the sports world. I think we've all seen within the past year (and more) that the rules get bent far to often for athletes who use their power to abuse, and this story shines a light on the WOMAN, the victim, who actually transcends that label and shows us the true definition of a survivor. It's not a glorious thing, it's not an easy thing, and it's not something you just "survive" and then walk away from forever. No, abuse is with you for your entire life, in subtle and larger ways, but if you dig deep within yourself and lean on those who love you, you can survive, wearing your scars like jewelry.

The characters in this story were so real, so cinematic, it was like they were living and breathing and acting right in front of me. I felt like a fly on the wall, watching with my nails between my teeth, sucked into every single moment. And it wasn't just Iris and August who jumped off the pages, but the supporting characters, too. I felt the menacing evil spirit of Caleb, I loved the free, fierce spirit of Lotus, and I found comfort in the calm, healing spirit of Mimi. It's such a rare feeling and such an AMAZING one to want to stay within a book's pages for long after they end, and that was the case with Long Shot. It was spellbinding.

"Strength. Dignity. Courage. All these things belong to you. Take them back. Your soul is yours. Your heart is yours. Your body is yours. Yours to keep and yours to share."

I could go on and on and on and ON about this book, but all I can really say is if you have a love for honest, sometimes heartbreaking but overall healing romance, this is perfect for you. And if you're scared of the subject matter, of being uncomfortable as you read, please, PLEASE, believe me when I say it's worth it. Sometimes we have to stir the most uncomfortable of our emotions in order to discover a new layer beneath, one raw and untouched and beautiful. I promise, Long Shot will reach so deep down inside your soul that it will touch a place you never knew existed, and you'll be forever changed.

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you take even one book recommendation from me for the year, please, let it be this one. Five angsty, heartbreaking, soul-healing stars.

"If you were mine, Iris, there would be no doubt the position you'd hold in my life. You'd be center. I'd play you at the five."

I am 1000% positive that no other books has EVER made me laugh as hard as 44 Chapters About 4 Men did. This. Book. Is. BRILLIANT. I mean... WOW. First of all, Easton's writing style blew me away. I was HOOKED from the very first word, sucked in by the very first paragraph, and by the end of the first chapter? Forget about getting anything else done in my life because all I could do was INHALE this book.

The premise of this book is already fascinating in and of itself -- here's this woman, happily married but bored out of her mind, because her husband (or "husbot" as she likes to call him) lacks any inkling of passion and/or romance. His idea of a date is falling asleep together on the couch after renting a movie, and Easton does all the work (including initiation) when it comes to sex. I'm pretty sure at least 50% of married women can relate to the struggles depicted in Easton's memoir. So, what does she do? Well, she's happy, so she decides to just use her free time to write about some of her exes, to kind of live vicariously through those passionate times. All is fine and dandy -- until the husbot finds her journal. But does he get mad? Does he throw her out and demand a divorce? No. Instead... he LEARNS from it. He emulates what she loved about her first boyfriend, gives her some sexy time she's never had from him, and suddenly, the idea clicks into place.

Use the journal to get Husbot to transform.

So, yes, the premise was amazing. I was SO on board, because I knew hilarity (and probably failure) would ensue. But, it wasn't the premise that made this story as amazing as it was -- it was 100% the writing. Easton's prose was absolutely hypnotizing. It was smart, witty, HILARIOUS, and at times, packed a punch with so many feels I had to stop and just hold my Kindle for a second. Any woman who was a teenage girl in the 90s/2000s will identify with Easton's horrendous, yet hilarious, dating spells. Any mother will identify with her battle of guilt when getting busy in a non-traditional way once you've popped kids into the world. Any married woman will identify with her struggles (and successes) when it comes to "dating" after being with someone for a long, long time. And, honestly, any woman (or man) with a taste for smart humor will absolutely devour every word of Easton's like delicious little gummy bears of fun. This books is just... outstanding. An absolute must read.

"I want to take him with me everywhere. I want us to live a hundred years and die at the same time. I want them to mix our cremated remains together, dump us into a river, and watch our mingled ashes swirl like coffee creamer all the way to the ocean. I want our souls (okay, my soul and his, whatever he has, operating system?) to find each other on the other side as soon as possible just so that we can fall in love and make more babies and do it all over again."

This is my first time reading a book like this (a memoir/fictional piece of romance), and it's got me dying for more. Luckily, there are four other books in this series from BB Easton. I cannot WAIT to dive into the next one!

My favorite Kathryn Andrews book to date!

I'm so happy I was able to read an advanced reader copy of this book. I've been chomping at the bit to read it ever since I heard that Kathryn Andrews was writing another sports-centered and southern charm romance. I just LOVE that combination -- football and the beach? Antiques and lemonade? Big southern mansions and small town, charming little hearts? SIGN ME UP.

I will say, the beginning was kind of slow for me. It's hard for me to sign on to the "fake husband" possibility, and it's always been that way for me as a reader. I was actually a little worried that I wouldn't be able to get into the story.

But MAN, was I wrong!

After the first 10-15% or so, I was ZOOMING through this book! I absolutely loved Camille and Reid. Their relationship grew with genuine connections, with opening their hearts to each other and slowly finding comfort together. The lust between them was OFF THE CHARTS, which gave me that angsty feeling that I love so much. And since I'm from Tampa, I loved reading about their romps around town, their drives to and from Savannah, and their days spent at the beach. Sigh. LOVED IT!

For me, the most dazzling part of this southern romance was the conflict. I'm a sucker for well-written conflict, and Andrews nailed it with Chasing Clouds. The tension was so well-built, the climax so well-executed. I was holding one hand to my mouth, shaking my head and speaking out loud to my Kindle like I could talk to the characters and tell them what missing parts they couldn't see. It was fantastic. By the time the end rolled around, I was on the edge of my seat and ready to burst. THAT is good writing, y'all!

This isn't just a romance, either -- it's a story of self-reflection, of understanding how we tick and WHY we tick that way. It was a deep dive of family values, family impact, guilt, expectation, and more. And what I loved most was how Reid and Camille found love in each other when it seemed the last place they were ever meant to be was in each other's arms. SIGH, talk about fate!

Overall, I highly recommend this book -- especially for a light, swoony summer read. Kathryn Andrews didn't just get a hit with this one, she knocked it out of the park. Angsty, sexy, and surprisingly witty, I devoured every page. 5 stars!

“Someday, somewhere—anywhere, unfailingly, you’ll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life.”

WOW. Ugh. I swear, every time I think Brittainy C. Cherry can't get any better at writing, can't get any better at making me feel EVERY SINGLE EMOTION, can't get any better at bringing characters to life... she just goes and does it. She's like Cardi B man, she loves proving people wrong, and dang it, I love it when she proves me wrong.

This book was EV.ER.Y.THING.

“It’s okay to love someone even though they wronged you. You can’t pretend your feelings don’t exist because you’re afraid of what those feelings might mean. Sometimes, the hardest thing in the world is to love someone who broke your heart.”

I was sucked in from the very first page, the way the author used luggage to set up the scene was BRILLIANT. I fell in love with Grace, with her battered heart and kind character. To me, she embodies so many women -- women who feel like they aren't enough, women who struggle with knowing themselves outside of the men they've been with, women who do as they are told at the price of their happiness. She was so relatable in many ways, and also so easy to empathize with. I absolutely loved her.

“You’re allowed to choose yourself first.”

And then, there's Jackson. FIRE. Omg!

Jackson Emery wore his trouble on his sleeve like it was his full-time job.

He's my new favorite B Cherry man, and that's saying a LOT if you know how obsessed I am with Tristan from The Air He Breathes. I think Jackson kind of reminded me of Tristan in a way, because he was so broody and cold, but he had REASON to be. And the more we found out about Jackson's past, the more we saw him on the pages, the more I fell for him. He is EVERYTHING I love in a Hero -- broody, mysterious, grumpy yet kind, protective, and more than anything, he was a looking glass. He was the key for Grace to discover herself, and he helped her walk on her own and not only that but he told her she was BEAUTIFUL when she did walk on her own. He loved her for her, and she loved him for him -- scars and all.

"I don’t believe in you or your god, but I believe in her. No one has ever stood by my side in all my life except for her, so the least I can do is stand beside her in the same fashion. This family means more than words to her, so that’s why I’m here. For her and her alone.”

SA-WOON.

There were so many powerful moments in this book, and I once again found myself laughing on one page and crying the next. I've decided that's Brittainy C. Cherry's favorite thing to do -- make us feel all the feels.

And I do mean ALL of them.

“If you ever fall in love again, please let it be with me.”

If you love angsty, emotional romances, this one is for you. If you love small town romances, this one is for you. If you love Heros with dogs and heroines discovering themselves, this one is for you. Honestly, if you have a pulse and like to read, this one is for YOU.

I will literally read anything B Cherry writes, including her grocery lists, if she'll let me. I am so happy I discovered this author a couple of years ago and have had the chance to go on so many emotional, amazing journeys with her and her characters. 5 CAN'T GET ENOUGH STARS!

GAH how I love the angst! I knew just by the description of this book alone that I was going to love it. I mean come on, what gets more taboo than falling for your boyfriend's DAD?! *sighs* It was trouble waiting to happen, and I loved watching all the tension unfurl. By the time our main characters finally gave in, I was SQUIRMING I was so anxious for it to happen. And of course, it couldn't all happen at once, right? ;) I loved the juxtaposition of the characters -- one who was older, wiser, who had lost so much of their innocence and never had a chance to live their younger years, and then the other who was young, fresh, full of life, yet wanted what the older character had. It was so interesting seeing how they worked together, how it just made sense for them to be together even though their ages were so different. That's what I love about love! Anyway, this was such a great read and a definite must if you love angst. I recommend!

YES. Just... yesssssuuuhhhh. To me, the sign of a GREAT thriller is when you walk away from it highly disturbed and questioning everything -- including your own moral code. Colleen Hoover absolutely CRUSHED this one, and I'm left reeling.

I still have so many thoughts and questions swirling in my mind after this. I went in blind, and honestly, that's the way I recommend everyone go in. I don't want to give away any kind of hints as to what happens, what I believe is true/not true, or which character(s) is/are reliable. I truly think this is a brain stretch, and you have to just dive in and take in each chapter as it's given to you. Make your own conclusions.

All I can say is that by the 5th chapter, I was so hooked I might as well have been walking around in this fictional world. I didn't exist in my actual life. It was impossible to put Verity down, and once you start reading, you'll understand why.

My thriller heart is so happy. This is how I felt after finishing The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre, too -- which y'all know is still one of my all time favorite books.

Just, trust me. You want to read this. If you love thrillers, and romance, there couldn't be a more perfect combination. 5 creepy, mind-fuck stars!

"You can be anything in the world, and it would be good enough. Job title doesn't matter as long as you have food on your table, and heat on your stove. What matters the most is being happy. So, when you do grow up, make sure you're happy. Everything else will fall into place."

WELP. SHE DID IT AGAIN, GUYS. Brittainy C. Cherry managed to write yet ANOTHER book that gripped me by the heart and sucked me into a world I never wanted to leave. The Cherry magic is alive and well, too, because I laughed, I sobbed, I clutched my heart and swooned and more than anything, I FELT. That's what I love about her books. And this one? Well, this one took the cake.

It's my new favorite Brittainy C. Cherry book.

Yep, I said it. I love it EVEN MORE than I loved The Air He Breathes. HOW?! I don't know. I just don't freaking know but I think it's a combination of these things:

1) THE ANGST. The tension. Fuckkkk me up, I love that shit.
2) The characters. Not just Eleanor and Grey -- although they stole my hearts from the first chapter -- but also the SIDE characters. I'm so in love with Ellie's parents, with Grey's kids, with the best friends (who are getting their own story soon SQUEE!)
3) The writing. It was IMPECCABLE. You can tell the author spent a lot of time perfecting every single chapter and sentence and WORD in this book. I couldn't put it down. I highlighted so much. It was just EVERYTHING.
4) The love story. This one was just EPIC. Started from high school (and I freaking love that age group so I was HOOKED), and somehow made it through all the tragedy... SIGH! Yes!
5) The underlying themes. I love this about EVERY B Cherry book. She always tucks in little life lessons that I just sigh and tear up at and hold my Kindle like YES. SHE GETS IT.

I cannot say enough good things about this book, only that it is a TOP READ of 2019 and an ABSOLUTE MUST READ OVER AND OVER AGAIN. These characters and this story will stay with me forever. Another B Cherry masterpiece!

Gah, this book was so refreshing! I don't typically read outside of the romance genre, but when I do, it's always a treat. And this book came HIGHLY recommended to me from some of my close friends.

When I dived in, I was immediately hooked. The way the author writes is captivating. There is an element of mystery and uneasiness, as well as dashes of humor, and overall, the feeling that something big is coming. I love that! The foreshadowing as the story built had me amped up, and when I got to the last 100 pages, it was impossible to put down.

My best advice is to go into this book blind. It's going to take you on a wild ride, opening your mind to a slew of "what if" questions as you look back on America's history through a new lens.

Absolutely enthralling. 5 stars!

Tempted to Kiss, the thrilling third instalment in the Hard to Love series by USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Winters is now LIVE!!!!



I fell for someone I shouldn’t have.

I’m not the only person to ever do such a thing. I know that. And I’m not an awful person for desiring his touch, his kiss, his everything… but I knew I shouldn’t have indulged.

There’s something about knowing it’s wrong that tempts me that much more. The seduction became a game with higher stakes than any before him. In fact, it was only ever him.

The thing is, I knew I shouldn’t. Now that the game is over and the pieces have fallen… I know I should have just walked away.

There’s no way out of the wreckage.

That doesn’t change the fact, that I wanted him more than anything. I still want him more than anything.


Start reading today:

Amazon ⧫ Apple Books ⧫ Kobo ⧫ B&N ⧫ Google Play ⧫ Audio


Start reading the series with Hard to Love:


Amazon ⧫ Apple Books ⧫ Kobo ⧫ B&N ⧫ Google Play ⧫ Audio