Kiss To Salvage by Anna B. Doe

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Prescott Wentworth is my brother’s best friend and teammate.

We hate each other.

But we also can’t keep our hands off each other.

The day I met the star wide receiver, he was acting like a grumpy ass, and I was so over big, bulky men messing with my life. He was gorgeous, with wide shoulders, a chiseled jaw hidden behind a week’s worth of scruff, and the meanest glare I’ve seen in my life. So what if he was injured during a game? At least he’s alive, not that he appreciates it.

Now it’s a new school year, but some things never change.

Like the sizzling tension between Prescott and me every time we’re in the same room. But the more we fight, the more I want to shut him up. With my mouth.

Then he sees me on a date with someone else, and something in him snaps.

The deal is simple: it’s just sex, and nobody can ever find out. Especially not my brother.

But then the demons from my past come back to haunt me. The darker they become, the more I need Prescott. And I’m beginning to feel like he needs me too.

NOTE: Kiss To Salvage is book two in Shattered & Salvaged Duet. You need to read Kiss To Shatter in order to understand this book. Shattered & Salvaged Duet contains dark and mature themes appropriate for readers 18+. For the full list of trigger warnings please visit http://www.annabdoe.com/trigger-warnings.

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• MY REVIEW •

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“You make me want to be better. Only you.”

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I don’t know how else to describe reading Jade and Prescott’s story other than its therapeutic. It puts you through the wringer but by the end it leaves you feeling emotionally lighter. If there’s one story that fits the meaning of “emotional rollercoaster” to a T, then it’s this one without a doubt. I went from crying, to smiling, and back again with each chapter I’d read. All the push-and-pull and all the ups and downs between them definitely took an emotional, mental, and even physical toll on me, but man, was it worth it.

Doe stepped it up and killed it with this one. It’s another epic addition to the Blairwood University series that I will go back to over and over again. I can’t fault the writing— it’s well-written, well-developed, and totally encompasses you in its world-building. The premise caught my curiosity, the narrative sucked me in, and the characters took hold off me until it was time to part ways.

Not only has Doe written something thought-provoking, inspiring, and truly heartfelt, but she’s brought to life characters who’ve managed to make those who read it a part of their journey. I came away from this book feeling as if Jade and Prescott were real people who I knew and absolutely cared for.

I found this duet to be one of the rare exceptions where both books had solid storytelling from start to finish. It’s rich, vivid, with constantly evolving characters. The dual POVs gave so much insight into both Jade’s and Prescott’s mentality, their emotional state, and most importantly showed how far and how deep they’ve grown as individuals.

It’s well-paced, with tons of twists and turns that had me in suspense for the entirety of the time. I wish I could experience reading their story for the first time again. Jade and Prescott are a pair of all-consuming characters that deserved (and rightly received) my undivided attention. Their stories are full of genuine, relatable experiences, some of which I could completely relate to and sympathise with. These characters are flawed but there’s nothing about them I didn’t love.

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“You were there when it mattered. When I was at my lowest, you were there, and you helped me cling to reality. Cling to life.”

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This is one of Doe’s best work and reading it, it’s evident how much time and effort, heart and soul she’s put in ensuring Jade and Prescott’s story was a worthy one. And it is. From the grittiness to the fragility, I was blown away by the multitude of layers it contained and how well-balanced all the elements were within. Whilst the intense romance is undoubtedly an element I was gripped by, the entire cast of secondary characters came a close second in elevating Jade and Prescott’s world. The contrast and group dynamics in itself was a powerful presence and helped cast the atmosphere.

One of my favourite reads of the year. It’s the type of contemporary romance read that I effortlessly got invested in. It may fall under the New Adult umbrella but make no mistake these college students are well beyond their years. The friendships are goals just as much as the romantic relationships. It can be read as a standalone but this series is interconnected through its characters, and I highly recommend reading them all. Whilst each book has some form of angst, drama, and personal struggles, this story in particular deals with another level of heaviness and heartbreak. It contains sensitive subject matters that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers to deal with. Please proceed with caution.

As it is a continuous storyline, Kiss To Shatter needs to be read first before starting this one. But all in all, I recommend the hell out of this duet. It’s a reading experience that has surprisingly taught me a lot about self-worth, love, and sacrifice. If you’re in need of a good cry and in the mood to hunker down with a hearty romance story, then add this one to your immediate TBR. It delivers. If I could rate it higher, I would.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💗

🔔 Interested in reading the Shattered and Salvaged Duet? Grab the books here:

Book One | Kiss To Shatter: Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA

Book Two | Kiss To Salvage: Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA

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📷 Shattered & Salvaged Duet! 🏈

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One: Kiss To Shatter by Anna B. Doe

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🏈🏒 Blairwood University Series ⛸🏀

Prequel: Kiss Me First by Anna B. Doe

Book One: Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

Book Two: Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe

Book Three: Kiss To Defy by Anna B. Doe

Book Four: Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe

Book Five: Kiss To Belong by Anna B. Doe

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•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Shatter by Anna B. Doe

⚠ This review contain minor teasers!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Prescott Wentworth is my brother’s best friend and teammate. We hate each other. But we also can’t keep our hands off each other.

The day I met the star wide receiver, he was acting like a grumpy ass, and I was so over big, bulky men messing with my life. He was gorgeous, with wide shoulders, a chiseled jaw hidden behind a week’s worth of scruff, and the meanest glare I’ve seen in my life. So what if he was injured during a game? At least he’s alive, not that he appreciates it.

Now it’s a new school year, but some things never change.

Like the sizzling tension between Prescott and me every time we’re in the same room. But the more we fight, the more I want to shut him up. With my mouth.

Then he sees me on a date with someone else, and something in him snaps.

The deal is simple: it’s just sex, and nobody can ever find out. Especially not my brother.

But then the demons from my past come back to haunt me. The darker they become, the more I need Prescott. And I’m beginning to feel like he needs me too.

Author’s Note: Although not a dark romance, this duet contains DARK THEMES! You can find the full list of trigger warnings (which can contain spoilers) on my webpage: https://www.annabdoe.com/trigger-warnings

•••

• MY REVIEW •

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“I inhale her sweet scent—lavender mixed with sun and grass from hours spent on the field. She smells like home.”

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Kiss To Shatter is a siren song. I need more. Jade and Prescott are two characters I had always thought would only play minor roles; secondary characters who helped create the world-building centring around a group of friends navigating through college, but after reading this book my mind is completely reeling at the fact that it was so not the case. Jade and Prescott’s personal stories are gritty, complex, and just as (if not more) thought-provoking as some of the previous books in Blairwood University.

There’s a lot to unpack with this first half of the duet, but it was attention-grabbing from start to finish that I’m now eagerly anticipating the next book. There’s a sweet balance between darkness and lightness within this story that kept me engaged. It could easily have been a heavy-set melancholic narrative but Doe carried comic relief amongst the cast of characters, witty banter, as well as uplifting moments all throughout.

It’s well-paced storytelling with dual POVs that heightened the MCs thought process and emotions, and incorporated internal monologue. I recommend readers interested in starting this duet to first look into the trigger warnings as Jade and Prescott’s story deals with a handful of sensitive subject matters.

As someone who has gone through a similar experience as Prescott, I found myself instantaneously connecting with his character and sympathising with his dilemma despite his prickly persona. Jade faces a completely different set of hurdles but they’re just as real life, genuine matters that plenty of people can relate to. Although I found her reckless personality a little frustrating at times, the reasoning behind her behaviour is understandable. They bring about an emotional journey that’s full of unpredictability and impulsive choices that set the course of their evolving relationship.

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“That’s what we are. Completely destructive, but unable to stay away from one another.”

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Jade and Prescott both have strong personalities that have a way of clashing yet meshing together at the same time. It’s a hate-to-love trope that builds in anticipation and leaves you pining for more.

It’s a hearty, character-driven storyline filled with angst and drama. It can be read as a standalone but I strongly recommend you start from the beginning of the series as characters and relationships are interconnected, and the world-building is extensive. It’s a New Adult/ College backdrop that easily toes the line into Adult Romance with the seriousness and mature themes included.

I loved it. It’s another gripping addition to Blairwood University. Each book in this series has consistently been a winning read. Doe’s writing is mighty, complex, and well-developed. The storylines always reflect real-life matters and contain striking characters that tend to leave lasting impressions. The group dynamics in this series is something I’ve come to look forward to seeing other than the MCs developing romance as there’s a genuine sense of friendship and support system. Kiss To Shatter is a quality contemporary romance that I’m happily recommending to fellow romance readers. It’s the type of read you can really hunker down and get lost in. I can’t wait for Kiss To Salvage!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advance copy! 💗

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss To Shatter? Grab your copy here: Universal Link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA

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🏈🏒 Blairwood University Series ⛸🏀

Prequel: Kiss Me First by Anna B. Doe

Book One: Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

Book Two: Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe

Book Three: Kiss To Defy by Anna B. Doe

Book Four: Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe

Book Five: Kiss To Belong by Anna B. Doe

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•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Belong by Anna B. Doe

⚠ This review contains a minor teaser!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

𝐇𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

New Year has kicked off on a rough start for Alyssa Martinez. Pregnant, homeless, and alone, she has to figure out how to start over before her baby arrives.

Maddox Anderson has always been a brainiac. If only confessing to his best friend he has been in love with her his whole life would be as easy as coding.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝.

When Maddox finds out what’s going on with Alyssa, he demands that she move in with him. When sharing a bed turns into late-night snuggles, and movie nights end up with Alyssa straddling his lap, something will have to give.

But can Maddox prove to her they belong together when Alyssa is convinced that he deserves somebody better than her?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
2. Who says nerds can’t be hot!?
3. Find and and secure oneself a Maddox Anderson!

Doe has done it again with Kiss To Belong! The consistent perfection of books in the Blairwood University series is driving me nuts! This was amazing, in-depth storytelling with genuine characters and broaches on relatable real-life issues.

Like all the pairings who’ve come before them, Maddox and Alyssa are quite a couple.

• Childhood friends ✔
• One-sided secret crush ✔
• Complete opposites ✔
• Heroine pregnant with another guy’s baby ✔

A best-friends-to-lovers romance trope that had me utterly intrigued to see play out. If you love the cruel angst of a slow-burn romance, Kiss To Belong might be for you. With a contemporary college setting, the drama that these characters find themselves in will kick you right in the feels and have you emotionally invested in seeing them simply catch a break.

A lot of the time their journey was an uphill battle, with Maddox a pillar of strength, love, and support. Although I couldn’t help but find Alyssa frustrating at times, I could also sympathize with her vulnerability and indecisiveness. With all the things that she goes through in this book, I can only imagine how I would’ve handled things if I was in her shoes.

Despite Maddox and Alyssa going through some rough unchartered territory, there was still a beautiful lightness to balance out the gloomy atmosphere. The friendships included brought about a strong support system, light-heartedness, and at times comic relief. If you’re up-to-date with the series, then this eclectic group of characters will not only supply you with their usual band of witty banter, but their appearances will give you insight into their lives since their own books. 🤗

I thought it was a solid story, that’s very well-paced. Doe has a way of creating engaging characters that parallels friends and family we all seem to have in our lives, in one form or another. It was these characters that immediately caught my attention and made this book all the more authentic. The unpredictably and the gradual transformation of Maddox’s and Alyssa’s relationship is what kept me glued to the pages. And just when I thought I was going to reach the end unscathed, there was one last momentous event that had me bawling my eyes out! Yeah… I didn’t stand a chance! 🙈😅

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“Things might be changing, but there’s always going to be one constant in my life. Maddox.”

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What makes this hero a little different from those in the previous books of Blairwood University, is Maddox is no athlete. Preferring video games and being a homebody to playing sports and partying. Whilst all the books in the series, including this one is told from dual points of view, this is the first in the series where it felt like the majority of the storytelling was from the hero’s perspective as opposed to the heroine’s. You get a lot more of Maddox’s side of the story because he’s the one who’s been keeping his feelings a secret for so long.

Aly’s and Maddox’s story was one emotional rollercoaster that had me anxiously gripping the edge of my seat. A lifetime’s worth of memories, constant companionship and bonding— their friendship is full of layers that can only have been developed from spending years together, and as the story progresses, you see how it genuinely shows.

With how mature these protagonists are and the responsibilities they take on, you tend to forget at times that they’re just in the beginnings of their adulthood, with Alyssa being twenty-one and Maddox nineteen. Friendship and romance go hand in hand beautifully in this story and it honest-to-goodness left me happy sighing.

This is one of the most touching, heartfelt, and all-around soul-stirring book series’ I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Kiss To Belong is the fifth book, and I’m honestly hoping there’s plenty more to follow. Doe’s writing is insightful and always seems to touch on subjects that a lot of readers can effortlessly connect with. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. There isn’t a single one I haven’t enjoyed reading. It’s a series of standalones but it’s best to read in publishing order to get the full experience as all the characters make appearances in each other’s books.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss To Belong? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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🏈 More from Blairwood University!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Blairwood University Prequel: Kiss Me First by Anna B. Doe

Book One: Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

Book Two: Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe

Book Three: Kiss To Defy by Anna B. Doe

Book Four: Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe

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•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

Some moments define the trajectory of your life.

Grace Shelton has experienced her fair share of loss and trauma, but moving to Blairwood is her chance for a new beginning.

For Trent Remington, going to college is a chance to break free of his overprotective parents and finally play basketball.

Some moments will change it forever.

When Grace collides into Trent by accident, she sees the last person she ever expected to find – the boy that’s been haunting her dreams for the past three years. Trent might belong to another girl, but he can’t seem to get the redhead with the sad eyes out of his mind no matter how hard he tries.

Together, they might risk everything for a chance at love, but will a kiss be enough to make him remember?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

An utterly thought-provoking, emotional, and heart-clenching journey wrapped up in world-building perfection! I couldn’t get enough of it and never wanted it to end. Doe has time and time again written stories within the Blairwood University series that are so real, so worthwhile that they just stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them. Kiss To Remember is without a doubt an epic addition to the series! I’m still reeling! 😱

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each book, but Kiss To Remember evoked the same feels in me as when I had read Kiss Me First. There’s just something extra special about these stories, these characters that won me over so easily.

The world-building is vividly exceptional and I think a big reason to that is because of the prologue Kiss Before Midnight. Not only does it introduce Grace and her personal story, but it gives you a sense of time spent with her. There’s a three year span between the prologue and the main story, and you get a deep view of what has happened within that timeframe. Once you start this book, you’re already invested in Grace and understandably sympathising with her frame of mind.

What constantly had me thinking throughout were the “what-ifs”. There’s a truckload of them, and it’s always lingering near the foreground of the story as it develops. I was constantly second-guessing EVERYTHING! 😲🙈

Other than what the prologue provides this is one of those stories where you need to go in blind to get the full reading experience and to ensure you make up your own opinions about the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

I loved the unpredictability of it all! 👏👏👏 It’s the main factor in why I was so immersed in Grace’s and Trent’s story from cover to cover. It also has a beautiful youthful romance— an air of innocence in their developing feelings which at times I found angsty but still charming nevertheless. It’s well-paced, with a gradual build-up, and told from dual POVs. I can’t fault the storytelling as I thought it was well-written and brilliantly executed. It’s a story that I can go back and read over and over again and never tire of.

The supporting cast added extra dimension and provided secondary storylines in the background. If you’ve read the previous books in the series, these characters will be familiar to you and it’s always nice to see what they’ve been up to since their own stories were told. Other than the romance, there are genuine solid friendships present. They provided crucial support systems for both Grace and Trent, and I thought their concerns and overprotectiveness were understandable considering what both these protagonists have and are going through in their lives.

Another thing I’ve come to find about Doe’s writing is she creates characters with a distinctiveness to them, whether it be through their appearance, upbringing, personality traits, and/or even interests. Doe is slowly but surely building up her cast of characters as more books are added into the world yet you can effortlessly distinguish them apart from one another. They all have different backgrounds and each one is as intriguing as the last. Full of contrasts and dynamics.

Grace has quite a history and her character is totally fleshed-out as she develops in this book. She’s a likable, authentic heroine who straight-up just seems like a good-natured human being.

At first Trent seems like an easy-going, athletic hero but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Whilst this book has an overall heartwarming atmosphere to it that’ll have you sighing in happy contentment, the characters are complex, so trust me when I say Trent will have you stumped (but in a good, addictive way)! 😉

I strongly recommend it to fellow romance readers. If you like new adult, college romance reads, this one is perfect to snuggle up under the blankets with. It’s the fourth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone novel. If you’re new to Blairwood University, all the books can be read as standalone novels and, in any order, too, although I recommend reading them in publishing order.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💚

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss To Remember? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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❄ Prequel: Kiss Before Midnight

• BLURB •

From the very first moment, Grace Danielle Shelton laid her eyes on Mason LeBlanc, he stole her breath away, but what will happen now that he sees her too?

Kiss Before Midnight is a New York Knights/ Blairwood University crossover short story.

• MINI REVIEW •

After having recently read Kiss To Forget with Yasmin and Nixon’s story, I was curious about Grace (an old friend of Yasmin’s) and what her deal was. When it was mentioned at the end of the book that there was a little novella about Grace included in the romance anthology Mistletoe Kisses, I knew I had to read it. And well…?

OMG I need more! 🤗 Adorable young love, first dates and sweet kisses. This little snippet was perfection but nowhere near enough. I hope we got a full novel for Grace and Mason soon! Because I need to know what happens to them next.

Edit: It showed the innocence of young love, possibilities, and just an all-around feel-good atmosphere. Unbeknownst to me, this novella was the introduction to what ultimately ended up being a mammoth journey of star-crossed lovers and second chances.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔔 Read Kiss Before Midnight for FREE! Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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•••

Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Defy by Anna B. Doe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

She’s a figure skating prodigy. He’s a guy from the wrong side of tracks.

They belong to two completely different worlds…

After dedicating her entire life to figure skating, Rei Mitchell-Nagasaki is ready for a little bit of normal. And what’s more normal than attending college?

Zane West has had a rough life, but he’s found his way out of Ashton Heights and he isn’t about to lose it all when the demons of his past come knocking at the door.

… that are about to collide on the ice.

Rei has one semester to show her father that she can have it all—a normal life and making it to the Winter Games—but it’s not so easy when there is a broody hockey player standing in her way. Once heated arguments turn into sharing the rink and late-night kisses, neither of them will be able to resist the pull.

Will they manage to defy the odds or was their love doomed from the very beginning?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

Another amaaaaazing addition to the totally addictive college romance series; Blairwood University by Anna! 🙌

Right from the very beginning this story had me engaged with that zinger of an opening scene between Rei and Zane… 🔥 *phew!*

If you adore sports romances, specifically hockey romances — this series is a must read. You can technically read each one as standalone books, but as someone who’s read them all, I can tell you now, you’ll want to read them in release order. The world-building from the first book sets the atmosphere not only within Blairwood, but amongst the friends, and from there it’s an ever-expanding world as you get to know more and more about each character in length through the books that follow.

Anna has kept it consistent with another character-driven story with well-paced storytelling as it delves into two opposite characters who find themselves having more in common than they first realized. The dual points of view was a perfect choice in sharing their story because you get in-depth insights into their relationship and compare where their heads are at on certain situations. Whilst Anna has already introduced some multicultural diversity when she first introduced these friends in the first book— Kiss To Defy is the first amongst them with leading characters who are POC (person/people of colour).

Although, both the hero and heroine are of colour, their different multicultural backgrounds alone wasn’t necessarily the biggest factor that was in the forefront of the story. If anything, it was mentioned more in passing as their overall social standing was more so the main obstacle in their budding relationship.

I connected with Rei fairly easily just from the description of her appearance alone. 😅 As a fellow Asian and a shorty to boot, Rei simply felt like someone I could relate and be friends with in real life. As the story progresses, you quickly discover with her personality she’s quite a likable character as well. She’s a person who’s ambitious yet yearns for some work/life balance by choosing to divide her time from skating with school and making friendships.

What I love about the books in this series is the dynamics amongst the friends, and this one was no different. It gave it a lot more dimension having all these secondary characters have some participation in creating layers within the story no matter how minor. In my opinion, Zane’s and Rei’s story was somewhat more sombre in comparison to all the previous couples that I found the few lighthearted moments throughout were refreshing breaks from the weighty issues that both Zane and Rei were dealing with. There’s just enough lightness and comic relief to keep their story from going too serious.

Please note this story contains some sensitive subject matter that may be triggering for some readers. It delves into addiction, domestic abuse, and violence. Recommended for readers of age only. 

I do have to point out that whilst I found the majority of the friends in this story very agreeable, I did find one in particular I was not a fan of. I found them to be a little pushy, rude, in-your-face, and at times disrespectful of others’ feelings. I won’t be naming names for a couple of reasons, one being that this is a no spoiler review, and two, this particular character has a book in the works (if sources are correct), so I’m hoping that my annoyance of said character doesn’t go any further than this book and that in my eyes they’ll have some redeeming qualities. 🙏

The entire book was an enjoyable read, but I would’ve preferred more build-up not only in their relationship but in the overall storyline too. Yes, there’s quite a slow burn romance going that kept me on the edge of my seat, but the overall story felt like it lacked a little more oomph that the other books in the series had in spades. I found certain plots started out well enough but fizzled by the end leaving it a little anti-climatic, whilst other plots felt like they came out of nowhere that it left me a little taken aback.

I did however liked seeing no game-playing between Rei and Zane. They both knew they had a bond and it felt very genuine seeing them whenever they were together.

As I said at the very beginning, this is another great addition to the series. I think it’s a must read for those who have come to love the series and invested in seeing each character get their own story. I admit Zane wasn’t on my radar as much as some of the other guys, but after having read Kiss To Defy, I have a newfound respect for him. Despite his difficult upbringing, it’s never discouraged him from wanting a better life for himself and willing to work hard for it. He’s also quite a considerate gentleman— which he proves time and time again with Rei. 😊

What I also enjoyed about this story besides the slow burn romance between the two, is the vivid feature of both Rei’s and Zane’s perspective sports. Especially Rei’s figure skating. Anna has managed to put a lot of detail and sport “lingo” that wasn’t overly done or overbearing to read about. On the contrary, I found it all fascinating and at times felt like I was actually learning a thing or two about each sport. Both Zane’s passion for ice hockey, and Rei’s ambition in her figure skating career were evident and figuratively oozed out of the pages. Right along with the unwavering support they had for one another in achieving their goals.

Their romance was far from easy but it was sweet and, in the end, triumphant. What started out as a misunderstanding between the two ended up being such a solid relationship. They might have had differences, but Rei and Zane are undoubtedly perfect for one another. Anna has written another swoon-worthy couple whom I can look forward to seeing make appearances in future books.

This one in particular had a lot of elements and tropes included. If you like any and all in your romance reads, then I recommend you give this one a try.

• Opposites Attract
• Hate to Love
• Diverse Characters
• Contemporary Romance
• College Romance
• Slow Burn
• New Adult
• Sports Romance

I may have had a couple of hang-ups with some plotlines and certain characters in this book, but I can’t deny Anna’s writing style is effortless to follow and gets you invested in fairly early on. I love the consistency in effort and detail Anna puts into each of her books in this series that it’s hard not to want the next one right away.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💜

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss To Defy? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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🏈 Read my reviews for the Blairwood University Series!

Prequel: Kiss Me First by Anna B. Doe

Book One: Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

Book Two: Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss Me First by Anna B. Doe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Katherine Adams never thought she’d end up in a small town in Texas, but when things start to go south, it’s the perfect place to escape to.

Emmett Santiago, Bluebonnet’s golden boy, never imagined he’d fall so quickly, but one glance at Kate and he’s a goner.

Moving in with Katherine’s aunt her junior year of high school is the safest choice for her sister, and Katherine plans to do everything she can to make Bluebonnet their home. That most definitely doesn’t include flirting with a certain boy, no matter how charming his smile is.

Katherine might not believe in love, but Emmett is determined to win her over. When the sparks start to fly, who’ll be the one to make the first move?

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• MY REVIEW •

Lé siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh. 😍😍😍

This is just what I needed — a good ol’ wholesome and heart-filled romance story! This may be a prequel in the Blairwood University series and set in Bluebonnet but it gave just as much (if not more) feels as the other books already released. Ugh. I am officially calling Emmett my new favourite hero of this series! As much as I love a bad boy as the next chick, there’s something so special about a young well-mannered, sweet and caring gentleman!

I wholeheartedly believed Emmett whenever he set his mind to something or whenever he made a vow to Kate. He’s a straight-up good guy! There’s just nothing else to say. He’s one of those one in million guys any girl would kill to find… and it just so happens Kate managed to snag him without even trying! Dagnammit! 😄

What I truly love about this series is the groups of characters Doe creates to enhance her stories, and this book was no exception. I don’t think there was a single secondary character who wasn’t a friend or family member of Emmett’s who I didn’t like. They bring such contrast and dynamic to the group and their relationship with not only Emmett but Kate as well. I have to be honest there’s a couple of characters I’m actually hoping would one day get their own book, just so I can see what they’ve gotten up to since the time here. They’re just as developed as the protagonists with side stories of their own that I found just as entertaining to read through.

Whilst Emmett brings in the loyalty, openness, and trusty country boy charm to this story, Kate on the other hand is the new girl and comes off as someone who’s a little guarded and sceptical of trusting people (and rightfully so) — that is until Emmett (along with his best friends) brings her out of her shell and starts getting her to really open up and give Bluebonnet a chance.

There’s nothing to hate about either one of the lead characters. Kate may have her little hang ups but there’s a reason for it, but it no way makes her a disagreeable person. It’s the exact opposite, really, and it’s what makes her human and so relatable.

One thing that constantly popped into my head about this book is it has a lot of heart. I was almost taken aback by how much these characters are willing to go and beyond for those they love. Call it a cliché but this is definitely one of those “love conquers all” type of stories and I was digging it! ❤

It’s a coming of age, young adult romance that had me teary-eyed practically from start to finish. Doe has successfully gotten me invested in not only Emmett and Kate’s blossoming love story but their own personal stories as well. It evoked such emotion out of me. Ugh. I can’t say enough positive things about this book. I even reread it right after the first time because I was nowhere near ready to close the book (excuse the pun) on Bluebonnet.

Besides the slow-ish burn (but luckily not cruel) romance, you’ll find out the reasons behind Kate and her sister’s move to Bluebonnet. It’s unsuspecting, gave this story more dimension, and keeps you second-guessing the direction in which the story will head. Told from both Emmett and Kate’s points of view, the storytelling is very well-paced and had me hooked with the gradual development of their relationship. With high school drama, family struggles, secret crushes, and new friendships, it honestly gave me such nostalgia. Ahh youth. Hehe.

• Young Adult Fiction
• Small Town
• Sports Romance
• Contemporary
• Instant Attraction

There’s so many romance subgenres/ tropes within this storyline yet they all work so well together. Even if you’re not a huge fan of sports (football) in your romance reads, this will still hold your attention. All the relationships in this book whether they were purely platonic or romantic, were believable and in my opinion developed quite organically. It didn’t feel forced or written in to pad the story. There’s hilarious banter, a little fire between our hero/ heroine, and honest to goodness moments throughout that’ll have you happy sighing.

*singsong voice* Loved it! It’s one of those books you can read over and over again and not get tired of. One of the best small town, teen romances I’ve read in such a long time. I would absolutely recommend not only this book but the rest of the books in this series. Such a great insight to a couple who were not necessarily in the foreground of the Blairwood University series but were always a couple that held my interest because of how easy-going and happy they always seemed within the group. So chuffed we got to see Emmett and Kate’s story. Well deserved and beautifully told!

If you’re looking for a feel good, lighthearted read, you have got to add this one to your reading list. You’ll sure giggle, swoon, tear up, and possibly hold your breath on more than one occasion reading through it. Amazing world-building where you truly feel transported to small town living, a tightknit community, and fresh country air! 😉

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💛

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss Me First? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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Read my reviews for the books in Blairwood University!

📔 Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

📔 Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Something about her drew him in from the start.

Yasmin Hernandez—4.0 student, hard worker, volunteer. Starting Blairwood University is her chance at a new beginning. It doesn’t matter that it’s all a lie, does it?

Nixon Cole has it all—money, good looks, charm and a national championship win to wrap it all up. But there is more hiding behind his charming smile than he lets on.

Until he found out the secret she’s been hiding.

Nixon has had a thing for Yasmin from the moment they met, but she isn’t about to let another player near her heart. When a chance encounter reveals his secret, Yasmin will realize they have more in common than either of them thought.

Kiss by kiss they’ll forget reality. Will it be enough to save them, or will it be the cause of a broken heart?

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• MY REVIEW •

This was a much anticipated read for me. I immensely enjoyed the first book in the series, and the way Yasmin and Nixon were first introduced in it gave me such a buzz for their story. They had such electricity between them in the little interaction they had in that book that I could only imagine the level they would reach when it was their turn to be in the forefront.

Kiss To Forget does not disappoint. I was invested and deep within the world of Blairwood University right from the very first chapter. This is only my second book of Doe’s but I feel like I’ve been missing out on all her addictive storylines and effortless writing style.

Omigosh. This book is a gradual build-up of pure excellence. I loved every minute of it. There is such sorrow and heartbreak throughout that it was difficult not to get affected by these characters and their lives. When I think about the emotions I went through reading this book, the one that stands out to me the most is gut-wrenching sadness. I was constantly teary-eyed. I think Doe has scored a touchdown with this one! There’s such layers, world-building, character development, and constant growth within all the relationships. It’s hard to fault when there’s so much depth and substance exhibited.

Kiss to Forget is now one of my favourite contemporary romances read this year and one I am sure to read over and over again. Yes, I am willing to break out more tears over Nixon and Yasmin!

Steadily paced and told from both their points of view. Nixon and Yasmin may very well be dealing with separate issues in their lives but they work at it together seamlessly. I don’t know how else to say it… it just works! The way they share, listen, and simply provide any kind of support they can is what truly makes their relationship one you can’t help but dreamily sigh over. What started out as an entertaining battle of glares, snarky comments, and heated arguments, gradually turns into a slow realization that they may actually have more in common then they initially thought. It’s a sight to see! 😍 An organically developed relationship formed from understanding and acceptance — to friendship — to blossoming love.

I was instantly enveloped in the world-building that was introduced in the first book — the friendships, the different dynamics, and the overall campus atmosphere. This book just expanded that world into so many more layers and possibilities — not only with the current secondary characters, but with new ones introduced that leaves you just as intrigued. Not only are you excited to read Nixon and Yasmin’s story, but in the back of your mind you’re anticipating the next set of characters to be featured.

But let’s go back to Nixon and Yasmin for a minute here…

I can’t put into words worthy enough to describe how much chemistry and zing these two have with one another. It didn’t matter if they were throwing hateful words back and forth or if they’re doing a complete 180 and being supportive, no questions asked. Their connection’s just palpable, swoony, and so relatable.

It’ll be tough to top this couple and their relationship off in my books. They physically, emotionally and mentally went through a roller coaster. Whilst there was a shit ton of heartbreak, Doe has wonderfully added enough lightness in between to keep this book from going too dark and depressing.

The dynamic between Nixon and Yasmin is one that goes so well with the enemies to lovers/ hate to love romance trope. It may be a stereotypical story of the popular jock and the overachieving nerd who eventually fall in love, but it damn well works!

But in saying that, these characters are so much more than their status quo. For one thing, Nixon isn’t all about sports, parties and hookups. You’ll see a different side to him here. One that’ll have you falling for him. Hard! But what got to me most was his imperfectness. He has flaws and makes mistakes, but what is so endearing about him is his willingness to try, his reliability, and most importantly his heart. You won’t always agree with his decisions, but you’ll sympathize because you know overall his heart is in the right place.

Yasmin on the other hand comes off as a no-nonsense young woman, who’s ambitious and goal-oriented. She practically has her future all planned out, but what happens when unexpected events get in the way of all those plans? The way Yasmin grows and evolves throughout this journey is just as emotional. You’ll feel for her and her vulnerability.

It’s amazing how two very different people from different backgrounds, who are dealing with completely different life changing matters, together find peace and common ground.

I can’t tell you guys enough how much this story unexpectedly blew me away. I already found it at such a high level of quality storytelling in the first half of the book, but once things escalated further in the second half, it reached an entirely new level. Everything from the atmosphere, to the relationships, to the build-up of their emotions was intense. You’ll discover relatively early that not everyone comes away from this story unscathed, yet there’s such suspense to see how things will unravel.

Kiss to Forget is new adult contemporary romance, that consists of an uphill journey, complex characters, a spectrum of feels, and one that’ll leave you both exhausted yet soothe at the same time. As Nixon is a college football player, there’s somewhat of a sports (American football) theme in the background but very minimal.

The story mirrors real life situations with certain subject matters that can be triggering for some readers. But it’s also an eye opener to the struggles some people go through in their lives. Beautifully told with all the highs and lows. It may be a work of fiction but I felt like it was portrayed with such realism that you cannot help but connect with these characters and go through their journey right alongside them.

I am all in for the secondary characters too! The support system they’ve created for one another, and the overall vibe of each personality that gives their group such diversity. All I can say is I hope we get a chance to see a lot more of them in the future!

You will get invested fairly quickly. It’ll break you (even if it’s only a little bit) but it will be well worth it. Have tissues at hand — you’ll need them! I highly recommend this series and especially this book! It can technically be read as standalone but you’ll be doing yourself a favor by reading Kiss To Conquer first to get this world and the characters in all its entirety.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you so much to Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💗

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Read my review for Kiss To Conquer!

Blairwood University (Book One)

📔 Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

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Sending out good vibes to you guys! Happy reading and as always, catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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— BLURB —

The past tore them apart.

After a terrible accident took everything from Callie Stewart, enrolling at Blairwood University is supposed to be a chance at a new beginning.

Living his best life, Hayden Watson, star wide receiver for the Blairwood Ravens, is heading straight for the NFL draft and nothing is going to stand in his way.

The present brings them together.

Their paths were never supposed to cross, but when they do, all those old demons and feelings come rushing back. Hayden thinks he knows all about Callie’s life before Blairwood and he’s not ready to let go of the past, much less forgive her for what she has done three years ago.

One thing’s for sure… it’s going to take more than a kiss to conquer their broken past.

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— MY REVIEW —

Any expectations I had about this book prior to reading it was thrown out the window because this story was far more than it seemed. Based on the blurb I was expecting just a stereotypical storyline of two people who started off on the wrong foot, hated each other ever since, until certain circumstances push them together where they eventually develop romantic feelings.

Boy, was I wrong! Ha. 🙈

This story was so much more. So much! Callie and Hayden have such a deep history with one another where one thing just led to another. It snowballed from there to where you see them in the present after having ran into each other for the first time in years and having their past just come flooding back.

One thing that the blurb doesn’t hint at is that Kiss To Conquer centers around a sensitive subject. Callie was involved in a traumatic event that not only kicks off her introduction but something that is always in the forefront as this story develops along. It can be a difficult matter to add into any romance novel and not have it feel too heavy and depressing, but in my honest opinion Callie (and Hayden’s story) was written in such a clever way where you don’t get the full impact of her trauma in one go — Anna has kept it to a minimum, gradually revealing more and more of her past so as the reader starts getting an idea of what Callie has gone through so when the time comes when she does eventually share her entire past, it’s not a complete surprise.

It didn’t stop the tears though. Uh-uh.

This book will cause a flood! 😭😭 I kid you not. I hadn’t expected to cry as much as I did but it just wouldn’t stop. I was relatively prepared for the moment when Callie and Hayden’s pasts would come out but I hadn’t considered the emotion these characters would ooze out of the pages. I haven’t in a long time felt such sympathy for fictional characters. The hurt and pain that exuded from them was so realistic and so relatable that you can’t help but mourn right alongside them.

“I can pretend all I want that I’ve changed. But the sad truth is, some things? They always stay the same.”

However. Whilst I can say all these positive things now that I’ve read the entire book, and have had time to let it all sink in, I must admit whilst I was reading it, my first impressions of these characters were a little more on the annoyed side. I couldn’t understand why Callie and Hayden were acting immaturely towards one another when they could’ve just avoided confrontation by keeping silent or leaving the room. I felt like they went out of their way to be snarky with one another, and whenever their friends would question it, they merely brushed it off as if it wasn’t a big deal.

As a reader who usually can’t stand characters who constantly bicker, I’m glad I didn’t give up on this story because Callie and Hayden evolved over time, learned to listen, accept, and understand the other’s struggles. It’s slow paced, and their relationship was definitely a slow burn but it was well worth the wait. Their hesitancy to reconnect, along with the mystery of their past provided the storyline with enough build-up and curiosity to keep you engaged and seeing on how things will unravel.

A factor I wasn’t expecting but was happy to discover quite early on is that Callie isn’t your stereotypical stunner of a female protagonist. She has scars (physically, emotionally and mentally), and right off the bat I knew she would be a character so many people can relate to, one way or another. She carries a heavy burden throughout this book and it’s utterly heartbreaking.

As for Hayden… When you think jock, you can’t help but automatically assume that he’ll be an asshole who thinks he’s god’s gift to women. Okay yes, he was that stereotype at the beginning, but his POV also shows a completely different side to him. Dare I say his true side…?

These characters have layers. They have progression. They transform and mature.

Add that to a modern day backdrop and secondary characters that are just as much personable and intriguing, and this world that Anna has created is one full of substance and sentiment. There was a nice amount of “sports” within this sports romance… 😄 and not just in the background.

Told from both Callie and Hayden’s POVs, you’ll see there’s a lot of sorrow and heartbreak in this story. But was well balanced with the addition of friendship. Anna has created and included a diverse group of people to not only provide support for our main protagonists, but also add lightheartedness, and easy-going humor. Each one of these characters — from Hayden’s best friends and teammates, to Callie’s roommate and classmates have their own voices and strong personalities, which I look forward to seeing more of as this series expands.

“I’d rather battle the demons that haunt us with kisses than words.”

A truly enjoyable read. There was some tears, giggles, and an overall feeling of content. These characters are great examples of imperfection, learning from mistakes and the strength to move on with life and making the most of your time. Anna was able to write about a difficult subject and put a lot of care and effort into making it quite relatable. I love Callie’s growth and the steps she takes to work through her struggles. I love that she’s a working progress. I love that Hayden is such a strong support system, and an overall gentleman. I love that you can look back from beginning to end and clearly see character growth. Not going to lie there were times I felt frustrated with their actions and there were small things I didn’t necessarily agree with, but in the end, just like their friends, I couldn’t help but root for Callie and Hayden to find their happiness!

A highly recommend read for any NA/ adult reader who’s looking for a bit of angst in their contemporary romance books, and who enjoys a bit of hate-to-love!

RATING: ♥♥♥♥/5

Thank you to Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy! 💗

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss To Conquer? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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Thank you for reading 😊 Make sure to check out my Contemporary section of my Book Reviews if you’d like to read more sports romance reviews. Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo