I am a sucker for family. The way the author(s) managed to pull together two wildly different characters, and the ways the rest of this plot happens, is masterful. Every element clicked with me, in the ways that mean I'll read more, and that, my friends, is the highest compliment a reader can offer.

So you know, I am also a fan of Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire trilogy, and its anti-hero, Jorg. If you read it, you'll see, as bent and twisted as he is, that common thread that pulls me, family, binds him, too. I'm not bothered by complications. Okay, that's a lie, but it's confronting them that gets me, turning points, realizations, because I've had some of those and I've seen a lot more with friends, and it is cathartic to find it in the kinds of fiction I enjoy. Fantasy, science fiction, horror, blends, and now these cyber-romances too.

Geek to the end, introvert, raised in a big family and helped build a big chosen family, I am delighted to find more to read! ( )

Seriously, I couldn't love this book any harder. Dominic and Luke were the perfect couple in every way. The storyline flowed evenly, kept me constantly entertained and wanting more at the end *Spoiler* There is a chance for more at the end. ;) I recently posed a question in a group read about liking a 'bad' secondary character when their turn comes in a book series. Do you carry the dislike and have a hard time overcoming your initial feelings? To be honest, you don't have to read Strong Signal first, but I do highly recommend it. You get the background on how Dominic was such a douchenozzle before. But back to the grumpy bastard and his Friday night.

The one thing that I can definitely put into the win column for this read was how real the characters responded and the obstacles they had to overcome were 'real life'. It being best friends with the couple and rooting them on to their HEA. No drama for drama sake. And both older characters I could relate to.

I hope Authors Erickson and Hassell collaborate soon. These are definitely firmly in my automatic one click group. Need HEA with real people? This is story you shouldn't pass up. 5 out of 5 stars.




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Review- FAST CONNECTION (Cyberlove, Book 2)

Review-
FAST CONNECTION (Cyberlove, Book 2)
By Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell

I started this book last night when I realized most everything I have been reading this week were re-reads of some of my favorite books. Not a bad thing, but I really wanted something new. Nothing new has jumped out at me for awhile but this book has gotten almost ridiculously high ratings and glowing reviews so I figured I'd see what all the hub-bub was about. And yup, I can now see why readers have been enjoying this book. The main characters are likable, even the gruff, kick-'em-from-his-bed-ASAP Luke! The story is simply engaging. A bonus for those wishing for an easy vacation read, the conflict isn't all that intense or heavy, and the angst level is maybe about a five out of ten. If you're looking for an easy read with drama that manages to keep your interest even if it is onlyslightly dramatic this is a perfect choice.

My only real complaint is about the characters. If you're looking for unique characters you'll be a bit disappointed. Luke is the Standard Manwhore Romance Hero who starts out wanting only one night (or should I say one hour?) stands, only to fall hard for Dominic, who is the Standard Snarky Romance Hero whose easygoing nature and irreverent humor hide a somewhat insecure nature, all qualities that work to tame Luke. The teens in the book are also sort of Standard Book Teens. Either troubled and acting out while looking for acceptance or well-behaved trying to support their friend while they too look for acceptance. Dominic's parents are stereotypical Staten Island Residents, old-school from the Neighborhood, his Proud Dad's already verbally abusive nature only escalating as business problems become overwhelming. And finally, we round out the cast of characters with Dominic's Everyone Just Needs To Get Along Mom, who his dad wants to treat like glass and she just wants everyone to be happy.


Yet regardless of the not-so-original characterizations found here, I didn't care. I liked this book! I have come to realize over the years of reading that books don't always have to be sophisticated or terribly clever to still be thoroughly entertaining. Sometimes recognizable characters aren't boring, but are instead comforting.

And honestly? Sometimes, I just need to remember that not every reader has hundreds of books on their Read shelf, and therefore I need to forget about characters or tropes I find to be a tad bit overdone, and instead I need to pay attention to how many times I find myself smiling or laughing out loud while reading the book.

Oh, and as for the romance part of this book...

Well, their smokin' hot chemistry didn't hurt one bit.
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FGMAMTC Blog Tour Review
4.75 stars

I love the realness in this story. The situations, limitations and imperfectness of life were there. The characters didn’t have completely horrific lives or totally fairytale lives, which happens quite often in books. Fast Connection has just the right mix of real drama and sexy to keep the reader understanding and interested.
We met Dominic in the first book. He came off as a little annoying, but that was just a type of defensive behavior. Dominic is very good-looking, but he doesn’t have the best self-esteem. He tries to make every situation not be serious so that it isn’t obvious when something means a lot to him or hurts his feelings.
Luke has had a couple of things rock him to his core in the past so he has a chip on his shoulder. He recognizes his issues and chooses when possible to remove anything from his life, which will cause him drama.
Luke is the grump to Dominic’s clown, but both guys have huge hearts hidden underneath. Both are exactly the life shake up the other needs. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and cannot wait for more from this writing duo.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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1st read 2017/8 - 3,5 stars
2nd read 2018/2 - 3,8 stars ( )