Find out what happens when their perfect image breaks in #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s steamy new adult romance.
Everything was perfect. Until it wasn’t.
Until my family took on a foster girl and placed her across the hall from me. A charity case to look good and a person who should have never existed in my world. I kissed her to get her to stop talking, and then I kissed her again because I liked the taste of her words–I liked her. It was our secret until we got caught–that night changed everything.
We became strangers living in the same house, seeing the same ghosts of our past mistakes, but I can’t stop thinking about us, about those forbidden moments. I pretend to hate her, I tell her I’ll never forgive her, and then Quinn, my ex-best friend, steps into the picture. I can’t tell if he actually likes her or if he has a death wish and just likes pissing me off, but what do I say? Stay away from my foster sister? She’s mine? I’ve already had her? Saying that to him would expose what we were and ruin everything. We’re all three of us living multiple lies, and eventually, I know our ivory tower of perfection is going to come crashing down.
He knows my secrets. I know his. And now she knows both.
She wants. He wants. But I always—always get what I want.
And what I want is the girl, no matter what it may cost me.
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The Perfects is RVD’s latest standalone mature YA romance.
RVD definitely knows how to deliver a unique take on stories that keeps readers right at the edge the whole time.
Ambrose seems to have to it all on the outside. Afterall, his family needs to look perfect. And when they take in Mary-Belle after a family member passes away, it’s just another notch of “perfection” to everyone watching them.
However, Ambrose and MB push the boundaries of their attraction until everything starts chipping away. And then in steps Quinn to help prevent their entire world from imploding around them.
RVD delivers an usual take on the love triangle and adds in a lot of angst, tension and suspense to the mix. While I don’t care for the insta-love aspect of it in this story, RVD definitely made up for it throughout the story. This story moves at a fast pace and there’s not a whole of slowdown at any point.
The Perfects is definitely another entertaining story from RVD that you don’t want to miss out on.
Meet Rachel
Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times Bestselling, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 90 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. With over four million copies sold, she’s been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs. For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com
That is until I realize I 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵’𝘷𝘦actually gone too far this time.
She’s there. I’m there. The scene of the crime.
It’s dark. The police show up.
We have no choice. We run. Down High Street, into Quinn’s bake shop, and I pull her through the entrance to the old speakeasy that everyone forgot was here decades ago.
The door locks, the cops circle the building, never knowing we’re right here, and I’m hidden in plain sight, indefinitely, with someone who’s awful.
𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯. 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺.
A thief. A delinquent.
Until one night, lost in all of these rooms together, I don’t see any of those things anymore.
She’s smart. Daring. Soft.
Hot…
Everything’s changing. It’s this place. It does something to people.
We have a silly urban legend in Shelburne Falls about mirrors. They’re a gateway. Don’t lean back into them.
But we came through front first.
I don’t care what the county records say. This was never a speakeasy.
Falls Boys is the start of Penelope’s newest series (an apparent spin-off from another series) and it starts to this series off with a bang.
First and foremost, I have not read the series that this is a spin-off from and I can honestly say it didn’t hinder my understanding, enjoyment and love for this book.
I honestly don’t know where to start this and want my review to do this book justice.
Hawke isn’t the stereotypical 18yr guy – he’s got his life together and has a plan for this future. He’s also never had to struggle for anything.
Aro’s life is a complete 180 of Hawke’s. She’s pretty much done whatever to survive in the foster care system.
By happenstance, Hawke and Aro find themselves in a very complicated spot. And this where these two find themselves seeing more of one another than just the surface level.
Hawke is quite intelligent and his protectiveness really comes out when it comes to Aro. His thoughts on why he’s still a virgin and his thoughts on Aro – just makes readers love him more and more.
Aro is quite the complex yet fierce character. I’m not sure what I loved more about her- her ability to never stop wanting to overcome everything she is faced with. Her devotion to her siblings and wanting to protect them at any costs just speak to who she is.
I couldn’t read this book fast enough. As much as I wanted to know how things transpired, I also didn’t want it to end. I cannot wait to see what Penelope brings us next in this series.
♦ ♦ ♦
♦ ♦ ♦
ARO
We sit in silence, me forcing my eyes closed when I really just want to watch the door of the garage. He taps away on his phone before turning on the music.
But after a few, he’s antsy. “This doesn’t feel right,” he murmurs.
“It’s only been three minutes.”
“We shouldn’t have sent her in there,” he tells me. “Another fucking mistake. All I’m doing is making mistakes.”
I open my eyes, staring ahead at the garage down the street. “I’m going to remind you one last time before I beat it into you,” I grit out and then look at him. “No one needs you. Reaction is still action, and you broke the law too. Don’t put this all on me. I’ll use you like you’re using me, but make no mistake, I’d get it done without you.”
“You’d be in jail already or dead if I didn’t show up last night,” he says, looking down at me.
I just snicker. “This isn’t my first adventure, Pirate. I got along before you, and I’d still be kicking the shit out of your friends right now if you hadn’t come along and stuck your goddamn nose into everyone else’s business, like I’m quite sure you have a habit of doing because you’re a control freak who needs to insert himself to feel superior.”
He just laughs, shaking his head. “This conversation is tedious.”
I tip my head back, staring up through the sunroof as I mock back. “This conversation is tedious.”
“Stop acting like a child,” he growls. “And I’m not a control freak.”
I turn my head, gazing over at him. “You watch everyone in town. Like God.”
He can’t argue that, can he?
“Do you get hard when you do it?” I ask.
He goes still.
“Knowing where everyone is at any moment?” I go on. “Who’s skipping classes? Which spouses are cheating? Who stopped off at a liquor store, three sheets to the wind, before climbing behind the wheel of a car? Having the power to ruin a life whenever you want?”
He’s clearly smart if he knows how to gain access to that surveillance, but it’s still not clear what he’s doing with it. Or with that place. I searched the rooms. There’s only one bedroom with clothes, personal items, and a bed that looks like it’s been slept in. He’s not sharing the hideout. He stays there alone.
“I wouldn’t blame you,” I admit. “It would feel good to have some power like that. But don’t worry. I know it doesn’t turn you on.” I lay my head back again and close my eyes. “That’s not why you do it.”
It takes him a few moments, but eventually he speaks. “Why do I do it?” His voice is soft, like it was last night when he patched me up.
I smile, not sure I’m ready to play that card yet. Or that he’s ready to hear it.
When I don’t answer, he exhales hard and then I hear him open his door. “She hasn’t texted,” he says. “She’s supposed to text every five minutes.”
I open my eyes, immediately spotting something ahead.
“I’m going in there.” He starts to climb out of the car.
I grab his arm. “Wait.”
He looks back at me, but I’m looking out the front windshield. “There she is,” I tell him, sitting up.
She taps away on her phone, looking at ease like I told her to, and then she passes Hawke and climbs into the backseat.
“What’s the matter?” I ask her.
“Are you okay?” Hawke slams the door and turns in his seat, looking back at her.
She just nods, pulling on her seatbelt. “Yeah. It’s done.”
He and I exchange a look.
“Already?” I blurt out. “I told you to take your time. To relax. To blend in.”
“Are you sure no one saw you?” he questions.
She just laughs under her breath. “Most people don’t.”
We both stare at her, but I glance behind me to make sure no one’s following her. Hawke turns and loads the camera onto his laptop.
“Don’t worry,” she tells me, relaxed. “We’re good.”
But I’m still on the fence, looking behind me once again for any sign that she was followed. Just walking in and out like that is suspicious.
But then Hawke just laughs. “Well, shit.”
I follow his gaze, seeing the workroom appear on his screen, the camera positioned just like we told her. Two guys play pool, but the flood of activity that usually happens at night has quieted. It’s a pretty clear picture. I look up at Hawke. Where else does he have his own hidden cameras posted? I would post them everywhere. This is kind of fun.
Tommy clears her throat. “You’re welcome,” she sing-songs.
I smile, and Hawke flashes her a warm look in the rearview mirror. “Thanks, Dietrich.”
If that was this easy, we might use her again. One camera might not be enough.
“So, what do I get?” she chirps, doing an excited little bounce in her seat.
Hawke meets her eyes again, like he hadn’t expected her to demand anything other than the pleasure of hanging out with him today.
She looks at me. “I mean, I should get paid, right?”
“Yep.” I cast a look at Hawke.
Like the Joker said, if you’re good at something, never do it for free.
She grins, gazing at Hawke again. “I want to go to the Loop.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, and Credence. Please look for Tryst Six Venom and Motel, as well as the Hellbent series, coming next!
She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter.
A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime by Monica Murphy is now live!
Wren Beaumont is many things.
Beautiful. Smart. Sweet. Innocent.
At Lancaster Prep, the girls love her. They all want to be her friend. Only I see Wren for who she really is.
A repressed little virgin who keeps her feelings locked up so tight she’s probably close to bursting. She thinks she’s above us all.
Even me.
I shouldn’t be drawn to her. She’s not my type.
Until we’re forced to work together in class and realize we might have more things in common than we originally thought. Soon enough I find myself completely obsessed. I will do anything for this girl to make her fall in love with me.
Anything.
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Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance.
A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, son, their goofy dog, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge watching something.
Styx and Stones an all-new emotional, mature young adult romance from USA Today bestselling author Carmen Jenner is coming September 3rd, and we have the gorgeous cover!
Alaska Stone is a walking wet dream.
My wet dream.
For years, I’ve watched her in the halls, wanted her, but she never knew I existed.
Not until she walked into my chemo session.
For me, it was love at first sight.
For her? It might take a little longer.
But hey, it’s not like we’re on a deadline or anything.
Carmen Jenner is a USA Today and international bestselling author.
A hardcore red lipstick addict and a romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?
Pretty Reckless is the first book in LJ Shen’s All Saints High series. Each book is a standalone but I have a feeling they will be best read in order.
Shen definitely delivers the angst and drama in this YA book – however, when I saw YA, it’s more reading for NA than YA at least older YA due to the scenes and maturity of these characters. I forgot sometimes how old these characters due to their mannerisms or how they spoke to their elders (something I did have an issue with).
The plot of this book is quite intriguing and I enjoyed how Shen played everything out. There is ALOT of drama and angst in this book and that’s due to the characters and their lifestyles. While at times their mannerisms and actions annoyed me, it also helped show how these characters felt they could act a certain way.
Overall, the book is very intriguing and the characters entertaining. These are the types of books that I love getting lost in because they are so entertaining. If you can handle a very dramatic and characters with the egos the size of the sun, then this book is perfect. Aside from the small issue of the mannerisms and the whole principal situation (didn’t find it necessary), the book is really good and I highly recommend it.
Excerpt:
“I don’t want you transferring into my school,” I hiss out. Melody would gladly file a transfer request, and Principal Prichard would salivate over the chance to snatch him up for our football team.
“That won’t be a problem. You guys suck so much ass, you have shit-breath.”
“Still smells better than poverty. You’re poor, right? Your sister was just bullshitting about being rich.”
When someone hits me with a stick, I run over them with a tank. I’m so mean to him I want to throw up. I hate this part of being me. The striking harder at all costs part.
“Just to make things clear.” I put the brush down, batting my lashes. “You’re not my step-sibling, foster brother, or a part of the family. You’re a stray dog. Last of the litter, most unlikely to be adopted, and a charity case.”
Penn takes a step toward me, and my heart is fighting its way out of my ribcage. The closer he gets, the more I realize that my heart might succeed. Penn’s eyes remind me of a snake’s. Mesmerizing, but inhuman altogether. They weren’t like that before.
His scent messes with my head. I want to reach out and caress his face. Kiss his wounds better. Beg for forgiveness. Curse him. Push him away. Cry on his shoulder for what we’ve done. For how it ended. For what we became afterwards, because I’m full of crap and he is totally empty.
We ruined ourselves the day of our first kiss.
Penn looks down at me. Time stops. It feels like the world is losing gravity, falling into a bottomless depth in space when he clasps my chin with his thumb and finger, lifting my head up. I can’t breathe. I’m not sure I want to, either. My towel drops to the floor with a thud, even though I secured it over my chest. I realize that he tugged at it intentionally. I’m naked. My body, my soul, my heart. All my walls are down. Somewhere in my head, a red alarm blasts and my inhibitions are getting armed, ready to fight back. I’m trying to decode his expression. He is amused, irritated, and…playful? The mixture of emotions doesn’t make any sense.
“Mess with me, Followhill, and I will ruin you.”
“Not if I ruin you first.”
About LJ Shen:
L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.
Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people’s’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.
She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.
L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.
Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people’s’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.
She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.
