Jeannine Allison's Blog - Posts Tagged "romance"

Top 10 Favorite Romance Novels EVER!

I have many favorite novels, and it’d be impossible to pick just one, or even a handful. But I can pick 10 (and yes, this is the narrowed down list)... so here’s my top 10 romance books, and why I love them :)

1. Easy by Tammara Webber

I think this one is particularly special because it was one of the first romances I read. For Christmas my friend made me a cute little “book” with different gift certificates and suggested uses. One of the gift cards was for Barnes & Noble–of course–and she suggested this gem, a book I hadn’t heard of. I instantly fell in love with it, and it’s one I reread often. The synopsis does justice to what the story is about so I won’t go into too much detail there. But if you like what you read, DEFINITELY grab this–it’s one of the best books in the YA/NA genre.

2. Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan

Oh, man. This one… *swoon*… this one is a favorite mainly because of the hero, Archer. He is the definition of a book boyfriend! Archer and Bree’s romance is a slow one, while the attraction is always there, they begin their relationship as friends and slowly fall in love. He is so dedicated and caring. I know a huge trend is the “asshole” hero, and while I don’t hate that trope, I definitely like my sweet and sensitive heroes a little bit more. I think Archer Hale started this trend. If you like a nice, sweet hero–this one is a must! *The heroine is also a great character–very realistic and sweet as well.

3. Making Faces by Amy Harmon

You’ll need your tissues for this one. This is a beautiful book filled with love, friendship, heartache, tragedy, hope–the full range of human emotion, really. The characters, main and secondary, are perfect. They are fighters and despite the heartache in their lives, they stay true to themselves and carry on. If you want a novel with beautiful writing, awesome characters, and an awe-inspiring message of what it means to be human–READ THIS.

4. Sweet Fall by Tillie Cole

This book. This. Freaking. Book… is everything. It was probably one of the first books I read that had me thinking I should seriously write my own novel. The author’s note in the beginning, the stunning and heart-wrenching way in which she described battling her own eating disorder, made it was hard to read and yet equally difficult to put down. I can’t recall another book I’ve read that dealt with this issue, and I love how personal it was to the author. And the two main characters… they stole, broke, and revitalized my heart. This is a must read if you’re looking for an emotional novel about two “broken” people conquering external and internal forces to be together.

5. Loving War by C.M. Owens

This one is hilarious! The chemistry between these two is off the freaking charts!! Their relationship starts as something casual but it quickly becomes clear that there is more between them. And the entire story focused on them. There were outside factors that caused problems but they were handled beautifully and despite mistakes that were made, I never doubted the feelings between these two characters. If you’re looking for a sweet, swoony, and funny read that still deals with emotional day-to-day problems, this is it!

6. Breaking Even by C.M. Owens

This novel was the perfect slow burn romance. It was hilarious just like Loving War was, but it built in a different way and I couldn’t believe how fast I blew through it. They didn’t like each other at first and they struggled with their feelings, but there isn’t a single thing I’d change. It has everything I want in a romance: sweet, sexy, funny, emotional, and even a little angry. You can’t go wrong!

7. More Than Forever by Jay McLean

The set up of this was awesome. This couple had been in previous books and I was worried we wouldn’t get the entire picture. But Jay gave us everything! It spans several years, going from an easy high school romance to a more adult and complicated relationship where, unfortunately, other things and people got in the way. Even though I was crying throughout the last 40% of the book, those were some of my favorite parts. It showed that even the greatest relationships have struggles, and that a perfect relationship doesn’t actually mean being perfect but rather holding on and working through issues to get to the other side. I’d recommend this to anyone!

8. Addicted After All by Krista & Becca Ritchie

I’m cheating a little bit here, because technically I recommend this entire series, which is ten books in total. But I have to–it’s an awesome series! Between the character development, the writing, interesting storylines that aren’t dramatic but keep you invested, the humor, the sex, the love… it has EVERYTHING you need. These are real people struggling with real problems and I’ve never wanted to jump in and be a part of a character’s life (Lily mainly) more than I have with this set of books. This is the third book in the Lily and Lo story, the seventh one in the entire series, and it’s definitely one of my favorites. But honestly everyone needs to read the entire series!

9. Amour Amour by Krista & Becca Ritchie

I loved this story, for the romance as much as for Thora’s pursuit of her dream. She was an amazingly strong character and despite her setbacks, she never gave up. Nik was just as incredible, he stood by her, supported her, and didn’t let his own wants and needs get in the way of her dream. These sisters have created a wonderful world, filled with unforgettable characters and I can’t wait to continue! If you want a love story with a strong heroine pursuing her dreams–and not letting her love of the hero get in the way–this is the one for you!

10. Full Tilt by Emma Scott

This is a very new favorite. It isn’t even released yet (two days!) but it definitely belongs in my top 10. This is a heartbreaking book, no doubt about it. With superb writing, interesting and complex characters, and a storyline that gives new meaning to what an epic love story can be, I really can’t think of anything I’d change. It was perfect. She took a theme I usually can't stand to read, and made it work... she made it work so freaking well. I cannot wait to see the magic she works in All In. Yes, there were tears in my eyes (and streaming down my cheeks) as I finished, but there was also warmth in my chest, and I can’t think of a better way to leave a novel.

Okay, so there’s my top 10 — as of now ;) I hope you’ll consider picking some (or all, I shamelessly promote people’s reading addictions) them up!

xo
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Published on June 26, 2016 13:05 Tags: favorite-books, romance

Unveiling Chaos Update :)

Hey guys! I'm so excited to announce that Unveiling Chaos will have a cover soon! :) Until then here's a yummy picture of my muse for Damien--only my hero has a bunch of tattoos on his arms ;)

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-Synopsis-

It was just sex…

Naomi’s life had been steady, in order, planned out… just the way she liked it. But when her boyfriend of five years leaves her for another woman and her mother makes a surprise reappearance in her life, she watches her controlled life fall into chaos. Then she meets, and has a one night stand with, Damien. The last thing on her mind is getting a new boyfriend, yet she can’t deny the attraction she feels, so when he offers no strings sex, it seems like the perfection solution. But the more she gets to know Damien, the more she learns all they have in common, and the line between casual and something more starts to blur. For all her planning, she realizes… you can’t plan love.

It was never just sex…

Damien’s life is busy and hardly ever in order. Between working two jobs, taking care of his sister, and saving up for his own tattoo studio, there are always surprises. When he meets Naomi, the last thing on his mind is getting a girlfriend, but he can’t deny the connection he feels. It’s clear she’s not ready for a relationship, though that won’t stop him from pursuing one… even if he has to lie to her about his intentions. But when one of the things that brought them together, slowly tears her apart, Damien has to make her see… the beauty in chaos.

xoxo
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Published on July 16, 2016 11:23 Tags: romance, unveiling-chaos, unveiling-series

The best of 2016 :)

I feel like 2016 has flown by, and thankfully I've had many wonderful stories and awesome characters to keep me company during this hectic year ;) Right now I should be working, considering I have two projects I want to finish before the end of this crazy fast year, but instead I'm procrastinating, and doing this... lol

But anywho, I wanted to make a post about my top ten favorite romance novels that I read in 2016, as well as a few of my most highly anticipated releases for the rest of the year :) *If you click on the titles, I've linked my complete reviews for you <3

1. Addicted After All and Fuel the Fire by the Ritchie sisters

*I know I'm cheating here, and I'm sure I sound like a broken freaking record by now, but this series is just everything to me. I'll try to keep this short and sweet because I really have said it all before lol ;) The character development is insane (particularly Lo in Addicted After All) and I love how invested they've kept me, but not in a ridiculous way where there was random drama. It was real life stuff and I'm honestly amazed by these authors. These are two of my all time favorites. This entire sisters is magic :)

2. Amour Amour by the Ritchie sisters

Don't judge. I know I'm a total fangirl, okay? But I just can't help it. These ladies are fantastic writers. I had a honest to god girl crush on the heroine in this one. Thora is incredible, and I was completely invested in her story. What I loved the most was that she had an insane amount of determination, but when she fell, she didn't pretend it didn't hurt. She considered giving up, she cried, and she struggled. It was achingly real and I found myself rooting for her so much. And then you have the romance... I was swooning over Nik pretty hardcore. He was perfect for Thora and I was over the moon with how he helped her achieve her dream. If you want a love story with a strong heroine pursuing her dreams–and not letting her love of the hero get in the way–this is the one for you! <3

3. Worth It All by Claudia Connor

If you want a low angst, sweet, light, and swoon-worthy romance, this is your baby. I've loved this series, particularly the way Connor writes her child characters. I'm a sucker for kids, and I'm also just as excited to read about the kids as I am the adults ;)

4. Fall Back Skyward by Autumn Grey

Starting with the gorgeous cover, I just loved this one. It's a fantastic second chance romance (*but I will say it has a trope that I know many dislike... a big miscommunication... I personally didn't mind it and thought it worked for the story, but I did want to throw that out there). It's angsty for sure, but it's also sweet and you get a real soulmate vibe from the MCs. The supporting characters are just as wonderful, and you definitely never feel like there's a dull moment! Definitely a win if you want some drama and a great love story <3

5. Some Kind of Perfect by the Ritchie sisters.

Last one by them, I swear! This is the extended epilogue to the Addicted/Calloway series, and it nailed it. I loved that the authors did this. You truly get the sense they care about their readers, because this book wasn't altogether necessary. It spans ten years and is a compilation of stories during that time. It really was a work dedicated to their readers, and for that alone I find it absolutely fantastic. But obviously, as we've guessed, I loved the stories as well. It was a great transition to the spin-off (*grabby hands*) :D

6. Full Tilt by Emma Scott

This book destroyed me. It's a heartbreaking book, but it is definitely worth it. Scott gives us breathtaking writing, complex characters, and a storyline that redefines what an epic love story can be. I can’t think of anything I’d change. It was perfect. She took a theme I have a hard time reading, and made it work... she made it work so freaking well. It definitely won't be a book for everyone (I get that) but it's truly fantastic and while it hurts, it also gives you a tremendous amount of hope <3

7. Rush by Emma Scott

Okay, so I'm obsessed with this author as well... blame her for being fucking fantastic. This one had me massively swooning. Noah was the perfect "jerk" character for me. I know asshole heroes are all the rage, but I find most of them to be unredeemable. Noah is not, he's struggling and not the nicest at first. But it all felt real, not like he was a jerk for the sake of being a jerk. And once he committed to Charlotte, he was flawless... one of my favorite book boyfriends, and the very definition of swoon :)

8. Undecided by Julianna Keyes

This was another low angst, sweet story that had me swooning! It's a college romance, and it was exactly what I needed at the time. Light, funny, low on drama, and realistic. Just an awesome story about finding yourself with a great romance :)

9. Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

This was an unexpected favorite, and I don't know why because I love Bowen's work. Her Ivy years series is one of my favorite and her M/M romance collab with Elle Kennedy was just as terrific. But I doubted her, because I'm a moron I guess lol but I ended up LOVING this. It was a lot steamier than I expected, probably the best chemistry I've ever read between characters. And Griffin. God, Griffin... here's my heart, it's yours. I fell hard for him. I loved how much he loved Audrey--he wasn't afraid to tell her how he felt and I really enjoyed the pursuit. It's another low drama read, but it keeps you very invested... just perfection!!!

10. Waiting for Wyatt by S.D. Hendrickson

Archer's Voice comparison. That was all it took for me to decide to read this book, and I'm so glad I did. This is a story about love, forgiveness, family, and friendship. There are real problems and a tremendous amount of love. I enjoyed the personal growth as much as the romance. <3 I wrote a very extensive review so I'll just leave it at that and you can check out the longest review ever lol ;)

Now for the 2016 books I'd sell my black soul for to get them faster...

1. Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen

It's only a few weeks away but I really really NEED this, like right freaking now. I've been waiting for this since November of last year and nothing will stop me from diving in on September 6th ;)

2. The Goal by Elle Kennedy

This series has been fantastic!! And the covers sure don't hurt either ;) This is another one that I've been waiting on since 2015, especially since we were left on a baby cliffhanger. Kennedy writes New Adult like no one else and I don't doubt this will be a complete win!

3. Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway

Another series that has blown me away. Cosway is magic. Her writing is breathtaking and this series in particular has literally been magical. The gorgeous prose, interesting characters, awesome storylines, and epic loves that come from her brain always guarantees a great novel :D

4. Twisted Palace by Erin Watt

Okay, truth time... I haven't read the first two books in this series :o But I really really want to. The cliffies have been giving me pause because I heard they were intense. But, once this comes out, there will be NO stopping me from devouring this series ;)

5. All In by Emma Scott

The conclusion to the Full Tilt duet. I know this will hurt, too. But I need the final part of the story, because I know I'll leave it with a heart full of love. Honestly, there's nothing Emma Scott could write that I wouldn't read. <3

6. Untitled by Autumn Grey

There's no title, no cover, and no synopsis. But you can bet your ass I'm reading it. This second novel in the Fall Back series focuses on Elon, Nor's sister. Loved her in the first and I can't wait for her to fall in love :)

7. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Nicola Yoon's debut, Everything, Everything, was a close favorite to this list. It was an easy YA read, and I really enjoyed Yoon's unique style and I can't wait to see what else she can do!

Wow. You made it! Thanks for reading, I hope you'll check some of them out. Also, let me know some of your favorites and most anticipated novels of 2016 in the comments <3

xoxo
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Published on August 18, 2016 21:05 Tags: best-of, favorites, romance

The Unveiling series is now on KU!

Looking for a weekend read? The Unveiling series is now on Kindle Unlimited! 💙💙

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(Universal links) 🤗
Unveiling the Sky > myBook.to/UnveilingtheSky
Unveiling Chaos > myBook.to/UnveilingChaos
Unveiling Ghosts > myBook.to/UnveilingGhosts

⭐️ "Jeannine Allison portrays real people in real situations that are rife with emotion and depth of character but somehow manages to keep the angst-factor very low... this author seems to get stronger with every novel she writes." - Emma Scott, author of the Full Tilt duet & The Butterfly Project

⭐️ "After only reading ONE book by her I'm declaring her a favorite author of mine. I'm going to make sure to NEVER miss another one of her books." - Shelby Bauer, Book Lovers Have More Fun

⭐️ "If you are a fan of the romance genre then you need to make certain that you have Jeannine Allison on your TBR list. You are doing yourself an injustice if you don't ever read any of her work." - Tootsie Glitter-Bee, Reading Tigress
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Published on June 30, 2017 18:06 Tags: romance, unveiling-chaos, unveiling-ghosts, unveiling-series, unveiling-the-sky