I needed this book. I needed a book that was sweet, and sexy, and funny; something that was maybe a little fluffy, quick and easy to read, and that was going to bring a smile to my face and a hitch to my heart.
And that's what Assured did. I have no complaints about this book. None. From the start, I was into it—it was playful and bantery, Cole was panty-melting and alpha without being a jerk, and I just really, really, REALLY enjoyed reading it.
Since the end of (or, more accurately, the middle of) Emphatic, I've been jonesing for more of the Soul Serenade boys. My only complaint (and really, it wasn't even a complaint...) about that book was that Cole, Tristan and Gavin needed more closure—or books of their own. And thank goodness that not only did Kaylee Ryan turn that book into the start of a series, but that she made Cole and Stacy book two.
They're so perfect together, y'all. The attraction is intense and palpable but neither of them are pushovers. Ms. Ryan takes the time to build a sweet friendship and respect between them before it goes to the next level, and then, when it DOES go to the next level, it's steamy and flirty and right.
I really can't say enough great things about this book. It's not that I've not enjoyed my other reads recently; it's that Assured sucked me in from the very start, and remained exactly what I wanted and needed it to be throughout. It's a happy book (with just enough edge to be interesting), and I'm all the happier for having read it.
Ms. Ryan is one of my favorite authors, and for good reason. With her name on the cover, I'm Assured a damn good read whenever I need it. And you are too. I assure you. ~ Beth, 5 stars
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Ooooh, y’all—these Soul Serenade boys are killing me.
This band! I’m so in love with this band. There are no clichés here—these guys have so much heart, so much integrity, and these great, big, wonderfully lovable personalities. I’m so gone for them, I can’t even tell you. And Cole Hampton? Well, I mean…shit.
Cole fancies himself a bit of a bad boy. He’s a player. He has no interest in settling down and he’s not shy about communicating that. As lead guitarist for Soul Serenade, he has more than his fair share of random to choose from…so why can’t he stop thinking about beautiful and headstrong, Stacy?
The thing is, Cole isn’t quite as badass as he wants to think he is. And Stacy isn’t even close to a sure thing. She’s plucky and strong—she stands by her ideals and won’t settle for anything less. She keeps Cole on his toes and—while holding him at arms-length—manages to build this fantastic, warm friendship with him. Their romance is a wonderful, beautiful slow build and it’s SO WORTH IT. They’re so much fun together and so completely right for each other—every single thing about them put a smile on my face.
I love a reformed manwhore, and Cole was amazing. It was a delightfully breathtaking thing, watching him fall in love with Stacy, and watching her open her heart to Cole. I completely adored their story; the slow, steady build and the way it inevitably caught fire and burned sizzling hot and full of heart.
Assured is a completely addictive read, a breath of fresh air, and a story that will leave your heart bubbling with happiness. ~ Shelly, 5 stars