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Bear Bottom Guardians MC #1
Mess Me Up
When Rome Pierce moved to Bear Bottom, Texas, it was his intention to lay low. To not be seen. To find a way to heal his body and soul—as well as his son’s.
Nobody would know by looking at him that he used to play professional football. Not with the Bear Bottom MC cut covering his back, and definitely not with his friendly smile completely obliterated.
No longer is there charm in each smooth word that comes out of his mouth. What’s left is an angry, bitter, scared man that’s terrified one day he’s going to wake up and his entire world is going to be gone.
Nobody knows what drove him to leave the game he loved—nobody but her.
She’s the one person that has helped him make it through the dark days and even darker nights. She’s the bright and shining star in his pitch-black sky.
And he doesn’t even know her name.
He should be afraid that she knows things that not anyone—not even his best friend—knows.
Yet, with each encounter, he gives what little bit of his soul remains, and before he knows it only two people on this earth—one dying, and one too afraid to live—make his life worth living.
Until one day he has to choose—the love of his life, or the life he brought into this world.
Two impossible situations. One decision that would change him forever.
Librarian Note - Reader Caution - This book contains triggers for the following:
*Anyone who has recently experienced the death of their child or a child close to them.
*Anyone whose child or other family member has recently had cancer or some other extreme illness.
Nobody would know by looking at him that he used to play professional football. Not with the Bear Bottom MC cut covering his back, and definitely not with his friendly smile completely obliterated.
No longer is there charm in each smooth word that comes out of his mouth. What’s left is an angry, bitter, scared man that’s terrified one day he’s going to wake up and his entire world is going to be gone.
Nobody knows what drove him to leave the game he loved—nobody but her.
She’s the one person that has helped him make it through the dark days and even darker nights. She’s the bright and shining star in his pitch-black sky.
And he doesn’t even know her name.
He should be afraid that she knows things that not anyone—not even his best friend—knows.
Yet, with each encounter, he gives what little bit of his soul remains, and before he knows it only two people on this earth—one dying, and one too afraid to live—make his life worth living.
Until one day he has to choose—the love of his life, or the life he brought into this world.
Two impossible situations. One decision that would change him forever.
Librarian Note - Reader Caution - This book contains triggers for the following:
*Anyone who has recently experienced the death of their child or a child close to them.
*Anyone whose child or other family member has recently had cancer or some other extreme illness.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2018
586 people are currently reading
2006 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
162 books7,267 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
December 7, 2018
3 Stars
I’m in the minority in not loving this book. The story was a bit choppy, undone, and overwrought with conveniences in some places.
But I did like it well enough.
That said, I think this thing needed a trigger warning - STAT - and thought it was kind of jacked that the author put in her author note that she thought about doing so...but really wanted people to “feel Rome’s pain.”
I'm sorry, but some pain isn’t meant to be re-lived by reading a romance novel, folks. And while I think the author wrote a good story here and obviously had no malicious intent, I also think people should be aware.
I read romance for escape. And while I do enjoy angst and poignancy, I also don’t like to be pulled back into some of the worst feelings of grief I’ve ever experienced in life.
So for those with similar triggers and hard limits, be aware this book might be difficult for the following people:
Anyone who has experienced the death of their child or a child close to them.
Anyone whose child or other family member has had cancer or some other extreme illness.
Just throwing that out there.
I’m in the minority in not loving this book. The story was a bit choppy, undone, and overwrought with conveniences in some places.
But I did like it well enough.
That said, I think this thing needed a trigger warning - STAT - and thought it was kind of jacked that the author put in her author note that she thought about doing so...but really wanted people to “feel Rome’s pain.”
I'm sorry, but some pain isn’t meant to be re-lived by reading a romance novel, folks. And while I think the author wrote a good story here and obviously had no malicious intent, I also think people should be aware.
I read romance for escape. And while I do enjoy angst and poignancy, I also don’t like to be pulled back into some of the worst feelings of grief I’ve ever experienced in life.
So for those with similar triggers and hard limits, be aware this book might be difficult for the following people:
Anyone who has experienced the death of their child or a child close to them.
Anyone whose child or other family member has had cancer or some other extreme illness.
Just throwing that out there.
September 26, 2018
I knew right from the start that
Mess Me Up
was really going to mess me up. And it did. After everything I learned about Rome in Tyler's book, Too Bad So Sad, I knew that his story was going to try to break me. And it tried really hard. The beginning of this book made me smile so hard and cry so desperately.
I was a mess! Rome's story was at once incredibly sad and incredibly heartwarming. While it devastated my heart, it also found a way to soothe it. It was full of hope and pain and heartbreak and loss and suffering and so much freaking love that it sometimes didn't know what to do with itself. This story ran the gamut of emotions and if you feel nothing after reading it...
On to the characters themselves...
Rome was a retired NFL player who recently joined the Bear Bottom Guardians MC. During a time he needed someone in his corner the most, his brothers were there for him to lean on. What he didn't count on was sweet, selfless Isadora. She was the type of woman no one could resist. She was easy to love and although she was no stranger to pain and loss, she still gave so much of herself and she had such a huge heart. In the midst of the greatest kind of heartache, Rome and Isadora found each other.
I haven't read an LLV book that I didn't love and this one quickly became one of my favorites. One of the things I love about her books, as I told one of my daughters when she demanded to know why I keep buying them, is that she creates realistic characters and puts them in realistic situations. Everything isn't sunshine and rainbows because that's just not how life works. Real life is full of hope and dreams and inspiration and love, but also full of pain and hurt and suffering and grief. I truly believe that she captured all of that when she created this beautiful tale for Rome and Isadora. And that's why I'm so in love with this book!
With an intriguing cast of secondary characters, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Talkin' Trash, which releases October 2nd!!!
☆.｡.:* ARC provided for an honest review .｡.:*☆
Release: 09.06.2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 | Standalone - Bear Bottom Guardians MC #1
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I was a mess! Rome's story was at once incredibly sad and incredibly heartwarming. While it devastated my heart, it also found a way to soothe it. It was full of hope and pain and heartbreak and loss and suffering and so much freaking love that it sometimes didn't know what to do with itself. This story ran the gamut of emotions and if you feel nothing after reading it...
On to the characters themselves...
Rome was a retired NFL player who recently joined the Bear Bottom Guardians MC. During a time he needed someone in his corner the most, his brothers were there for him to lean on. What he didn't count on was sweet, selfless Isadora. She was the type of woman no one could resist. She was easy to love and although she was no stranger to pain and loss, she still gave so much of herself and she had such a huge heart. In the midst of the greatest kind of heartache, Rome and Isadora found each other.
I haven't read an LLV book that I didn't love and this one quickly became one of my favorites. One of the things I love about her books, as I told one of my daughters when she demanded to know why I keep buying them, is that she creates realistic characters and puts them in realistic situations. Everything isn't sunshine and rainbows because that's just not how life works. Real life is full of hope and dreams and inspiration and love, but also full of pain and hurt and suffering and grief. I truly believe that she captured all of that when she created this beautiful tale for Rome and Isadora. And that's why I'm so in love with this book!
With an intriguing cast of secondary characters, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Talkin' Trash, which releases October 2nd!!!
☆.｡.:* ARC provided for an honest review .｡.:*☆
Release: 09.06.2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 | Standalone - Bear Bottom Guardians MC #1
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr
August 30, 2018
This is one of those ugly cry, sob your heart out kind of books. Rome and Izzy are one of my favorite couples with growth and development done exceptionally well. Izzy was so special. She was the epitome of a selfless, giving person with the biggest of hearts. Rome needed that in his life and she brought it at the right time. Rome was sexy sure, but he was so much more. His role as a father included love, compassion, responsibility and so much more. Together, these two are perfect.
The plot left me a mess but the journey leaves me with no regrets. The secondary characters were used effectively to progress the story. The writing was solid. It all comes together very well. This is one of LLV’s best yet. Looking forward to more.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot left me a mess but the journey leaves me with no regrets. The secondary characters were used effectively to progress the story. The writing was solid. It all comes together very well. This is one of LLV’s best yet. Looking forward to more.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
September 13, 2018
MESS ME UP: is the first full length, romance series within the (Bear Bottom Guardians MC #1) by 'new to me author' Lani Lynn Vale. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives'
'Rome Pierce' an ex professional football player, gave up playing the game due to unforeseen circumstances requiring him to retire early, and joined a motorcycle club 'The Bear Bottom Guardian's' when he needed a family the most, they were there for him.
'Isadora Solis' was a hardworking cleaner with Pixie Dust Cleaning Services' which her parents had founded and owns her own cleaning business too on the side, so when a job came up where she was required to clean Rome's house she jumped at the chance, his little boy held a piece of her heart in the palm of his hands since she used to clean Rome's ex's house and take him cookies that seemed to settle his stomach on days that were good, they were the only things he could hold down.
I really enjoyed this, the flow of the story, the storyline, the hurts to the heart then the healing that came along the way, I didn't cry like many reviewers before me but that's only because it takes a lot for those emotions to come out, but I know it will make many others after me shed a tear or two.
I read this without stopping, I just couldn't put it down, didn't want to put it down, seconds, minutes, hours I was locked away in this book..A slow burn that quickly got it's hooks into me. These two characters were just perfection!! Can not wait to read the next book!!
April 2, 2019
As soon as this hit my kindle, I was away reading, read it in one sitting. I just couldnt put it down. My heart broke for Rome, cried right along with him in the passing of his precious son but loved Isadora for being there in his time of need and the after. I have read every single book this author has written and thought that Papa Bear was my favourite book, but Rome and Izzy has gone into my no.1 favourite of all and Papa Bear has been bumped down to no.2.
I have ask Lani if Slate will get a book too, since I feel he deserves a HEA since going through what he went through and don't blame him for what happen to make him end up in prison. And She said YES! His book will be the last book and so looking forward to his release date!. Can't wait for Linc and Conleigh's book next.
I have ask Lani if Slate will get a book too, since I feel he deserves a HEA since going through what he went through and don't blame him for what happen to make him end up in prison. And She said YES! His book will be the last book and so looking forward to his release date!. Can't wait for Linc and Conleigh's book next.
May 29, 2019
Meh.
Not bad but nothing to write home about either.
Good writing though, worth trying at least.
Not bad but nothing to write home about either.
Good writing though, worth trying at least.
June 27, 2019
This is the first entry into The Bear Bottom Guardians MC series of books by LLV.
The impending death of a young child ,and subsequent death is the main focus and a tough one to read about in part one .The child is the hero's and his ex .We later found out that the heroine also has an unborn child with her ex.Needless to say,this is not my usual cuppa and I must say in all honesty that it did affect my enjoyment of the story.
Now I have been picking and choosing which books to read in this series and by this author,and this couple popped up several times and I was very curious about their story.I loved Rome and Izzy and by the end of the story,all I can say is that they really derserved their HEA.
I have come to expect crazy ow,sometimes a baby with ow( I usually tend to skip those!! as I hate that trope!),really OTT situations, and some really hot scenes.Her heros are usually these massive bearded biker dudes with past military/ law enforcement history and are sex on wheels.And boy do they love their heroines!The biker dudes I have glimpsed at driving their Harleys on the interstate in no way shape or form look like the guys described in the books,more Willie Nelson type with a belly if ya know what I mean! Her heroines are sassy and quirky,some act too childish for my taste, but you do come to like them .
This author may not be for everyone,but she is someone that I will definitely be reading again if the trope appeals to me.
The impending death of a young child ,and subsequent death is the main focus and a tough one to read about in part one .The child is the hero's and his ex .We later found out that the heroine also has an unborn child with her ex.Needless to say,this is not my usual cuppa and I must say in all honesty that it did affect my enjoyment of the story.
Now I have been picking and choosing which books to read in this series and by this author,and this couple popped up several times and I was very curious about their story.I loved Rome and Izzy and by the end of the story,all I can say is that they really derserved their HEA.
I have come to expect crazy ow,sometimes a baby with ow( I usually tend to skip those!! as I hate that trope!),really OTT situations, and some really hot scenes.Her heros are usually these massive bearded biker dudes with past military/ law enforcement history and are sex on wheels.And boy do they love their heroines!The biker dudes I have glimpsed at driving their Harleys on the interstate in no way shape or form look like the guys described in the books,more Willie Nelson type with a belly if ya know what I mean! Her heroines are sassy and quirky,some act too childish for my taste, but you do come to like them .
This author may not be for everyone,but she is someone that I will definitely be reading again if the trope appeals to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2018
5 ‘Perfectly Messed Up’ Stars
O...M...F...G... Once again, Lani Lynn Vale completely and utterly wrecked my heart, built it back up and made it soar! There is truly no better way to say it but this: MESS ME UP wholesome heartedly, PERFECTLY MESSED ME UP!!!
Get really for ALL the gut wrecking emotions and a lot of sobbing! I promise it will me all worth it!
Review to follow (must clean all the Kleenex first and get my heart in control)....
ARC kindly provided by the author via InkSlinger PR for an honest review
O...M...F...G... Once again, Lani Lynn Vale completely and utterly wrecked my heart, built it back up and made it soar! There is truly no better way to say it but this: MESS ME UP wholesome heartedly, PERFECTLY MESSED ME UP!!!
Get really for ALL the gut wrecking emotions and a lot of sobbing! I promise it will me all worth it!
Review to follow (must clean all the Kleenex first and get my heart in control)....
ARC kindly provided by the author via InkSlinger PR for an honest review
September 5, 2018
Mess Me Up is the start of Lani Lynn Vale’s new Bear Bottom MC series. If my math is correct this is Lani’s 57th published book and the 57th book of Lani’s that I’ve read and Mess Me Up is her best work yet! Have some tissues on hand and warn anyone that may happen upon you while reading that you will break out in tears throughout the book.
Rome and Izzy are perfection! Their romance has it’s ups and downs but there is no doubt they belong together. They have earned a spot on my top favorite couples list!
Mess Me up is full of emotion, passion, even laughs. It’s a story that will send you to the deepest lows, then raise you up to the heights of happiness. Mess Me Up will mess you up it will also make your heart full through the healing power of love.
July 3, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
March 29, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
Mess Me Up is the first book in the "Bear Bottom Guardians MC" series. I just loved this book but its very emotional so I think this book won't work for everyone. Make sure that you are aware of the trigger warnings on this (which I have at the bottom of the review for you). In this one, we have a story where the hero is going through something challenging in seeing his son lose the fight to cancer and its so heartwrenching in seeing how real this comes to life. The heroine is in charge of a cleaning service and his son connects to her and she also assists him in the grieving process and learning to live with it. I really loved how real to life this story seemed and the author really focused on the correct aspects to showcase the difficulties that parents go through when losing a child.
My Outlook
Mess Me Up is a story that was so heartfelt and deeply riveting. I was so easily caught up into this story. It definitely wasn't an easy story and from the beginning you know that as the reader you are definitely in for a rough road. We see how strong the hero loves his son and is having to see him lose this battle and there is nothing he can do to save him. The author handled this scenario so well. We see how he goes through this process but also how our heroine is there when he needs her the most and is his strength through the roughest times for him. There is something so endearing about the writing style of this author and how she implements such hard issues into a captivating story that just won my heart so quickly!
Overall View
I found Mess Me Up to be a fascinating story that kept my emotions high and my heart full fledged into the story.
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4
Cover: 3
Hero: 4
Heroine:4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4
Ending:4
Overall View: 4
Trigger Warnings:
August 30, 2018
GAH! There is no sugar coating it: Mess Me Up is hands down one of the best books I've read this year. It is intense and heartbreaking and told in such a manner that your emotions are constantly in flux. I seriously went from a sobbing mess to feeling excited and giddy. Vale wrote the most perfect emotionally distraught characters who found something in one another that they needed in order to continue living. It was the most intense and exhilarating roller coaster ride that will stay with me for ages!
Without giving away any spoilers, Mess Me Up is one of the most emotional read I've read in a long time. Faced with unimaginable pain and loss, Rome Pierce must find a way to continue living as he finds himself shutting down and enclosing himself in darkness. But when feisty and determined Isadora Solis takes Rome under her wing he begins to come out of his shell and live again. But when he is once again faced with his biggest fear, will he be able to break free and fully step into the light and embrace his future?
I absolutely loved this story! I loved the angst and the way my emotions were tumultously thrown around in every direction. The extended cast of characters, his teammates and MC were absolutely amazing and I can not wait for more from this author in the future. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Without giving away any spoilers, Mess Me Up is one of the most emotional read I've read in a long time. Faced with unimaginable pain and loss, Rome Pierce must find a way to continue living as he finds himself shutting down and enclosing himself in darkness. But when feisty and determined Isadora Solis takes Rome under her wing he begins to come out of his shell and live again. But when he is once again faced with his biggest fear, will he be able to break free and fully step into the light and embrace his future?
I absolutely loved this story! I loved the angst and the way my emotions were tumultously thrown around in every direction. The extended cast of characters, his teammates and MC were absolutely amazing and I can not wait for more from this author in the future. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 12, 2018
Wow!! Prepare the paper tissues because you will get very emotional in several scenes. We were expecting these events, but we felt the pain as if it were our own. We feel the pain and sorrow of the hero.
Very good, kudos to the author!
Very good, kudos to the author!
I’d lost nearly everything. My child, my reason for living, had been diagnosed with leukemia. My best friend, the man who had been a constant in my life for the majority of it, hadn’t spoken to me in over four years because of Tara. Tara was a lying, deceitful bitch, and the catalyst that caused my life to go down the shitter.
The entire time that I’d been working there, I’d felt like I’d owed them. But I didn’t owe them anything, they owed me something.
That was when Romero Pierce, father of Matias Pierce, ceased to exist, too. In his place was a shell of a man that would never be the same.
Matias had forced me to slow down. Matias had taught me lesson after lesson in humility, kindness, and perseverance.
I felt awful…but I was also happy. If she couldn’t have any children, that meant that she’d never expect any from me.
Rome made it no secret that he didn’t want any more kids. I was scared out of my mind.
“I can’t do it, Izzy,” he whispered.
“I know,” I told him sadly. “I know.”
“I just wanted you to know.”
January 31, 2019
Oh man, this book will crack your heart wide open, that beginning man oh man. Rome and his little boy together are the sweetest you can’t help but love the two of them.
Normally I love LLV’s female characters and some I don’t not right away, but Isadora I think might be my favorite or her characters. And although she has been through so much is so strong. I loved that she took her past and made herself stronger because of it and she is so strong willed you can’t help but be rooting for her throughout this story.
Oh gosh, the letters back and forth just added that extra layer to make this love story complete. I hope we get Isadora’s brother’s book very soon because his story was sad and I have hope for him.
We get a new LLV narrator Aiden Snow, I LOVE his voice. It is so smooth and deep it's just perfect for this book. I hope we hear more from him.
Normally I love LLV’s female characters and some I don’t not right away, but Isadora I think might be my favorite or her characters. And although she has been through so much is so strong. I loved that she took her past and made herself stronger because of it and she is so strong willed you can’t help but be rooting for her throughout this story.
Oh gosh, the letters back and forth just added that extra layer to make this love story complete. I hope we get Isadora’s brother’s book very soon because his story was sad and I have hope for him.
We get a new LLV narrator Aiden Snow, I LOVE his voice. It is so smooth and deep it's just perfect for this book. I hope we hear more from him.
August 27, 2018
My heart!!! Good god! I snot sobbed like an infant reading the first half of this book. Lani Lynn Vale, you are now on my list woman! Jesus!
I will say this is the best book I have read in a long time. It pulled emotions from deep down in my soul out of me.
This book will rip your heart open and shred your heart into a million little pieces and then slow put it back together again. I adored Roman Pierce and Isadora Solis story. But little Matias stole this book for me. That little boy was so precious. He was going through hell and just wanted his daddy and his Izzy to be happy.
Rome and Izzy are two people who cannot count on many. They love their small circle fierce and protect them at all costs. I loved the friendship that Rome and Izzy had in the beginning. Izzy was there for Matias. She was a constant in Rome's life. Someone he could count on and not have to worry if she would show up or not. He needed her, and she needed him. It was beautiful.
When a man is lost with no hope at all it takes a strong woman to pull him from the dark hell and put him back together one small piece at a time. Roman was shattered, and it was Izzy who slowly showed Rome he could go on.
There were times I wanted to yell at Rome for pushing Izzy. But he was going through his own issues and had his reasons. Watching Rome battle his demons and fight for Izzy was a great story. It ended just the way it should have with the two of them.
I will say this is the best book I have read in a long time. It pulled emotions from deep down in my soul out of me.
This book will rip your heart open and shred your heart into a million little pieces and then slow put it back together again. I adored Roman Pierce and Isadora Solis story. But little Matias stole this book for me. That little boy was so precious. He was going through hell and just wanted his daddy and his Izzy to be happy.
Rome and Izzy are two people who cannot count on many. They love their small circle fierce and protect them at all costs. I loved the friendship that Rome and Izzy had in the beginning. Izzy was there for Matias. She was a constant in Rome's life. Someone he could count on and not have to worry if she would show up or not. He needed her, and she needed him. It was beautiful.
When a man is lost with no hope at all it takes a strong woman to pull him from the dark hell and put him back together one small piece at a time. Roman was shattered, and it was Izzy who slowly showed Rome he could go on.
There were times I wanted to yell at Rome for pushing Izzy. But he was going through his own issues and had his reasons. Watching Rome battle his demons and fight for Izzy was a great story. It ended just the way it should have with the two of them.
January 22, 2022
DNF at 15%. Too sad for me. Counting days to die due to sickness for a little boy is too much for me. 3 weeks what will happen 2 weeks and so on. tooooo much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2018
I’m going to start with telling you now to get tissues because you’re going to need them. Lani absolutely ripped my heart out with this one, but even did that with a level of beauty that is utterly breathtaking. I full on ugly cried more than once during Rome and Izzy’s incredible story and it was worth every tear for how unbelievably amazing this book is. Even with the seriously deep emotions the bits of humor we all know and love from Lani still shine through causing more than one giggle to break through while reading.
I said it multiple times while reading this, and even after finishing it still rings true, Izzy is one of the best characters Lani has ever written. Heck, Izzy is one of the best characters I’ve ever read period. With a quiet strength and one of the most selfless and loving hearts I’ve ever seen she left me in awe quite frequently throughout the book.
The love that grows between Izzy and Rome is the kind that stays with you long after you’ve read every page. They quickly soared to the top of my all time favorites. I can’t even begin to explain the beauty that is Rome and Izzy, but what I can tell you is that you absolutely MUST READ this book!
I said it multiple times while reading this, and even after finishing it still rings true, Izzy is one of the best characters Lani has ever written. Heck, Izzy is one of the best characters I’ve ever read period. With a quiet strength and one of the most selfless and loving hearts I’ve ever seen she left me in awe quite frequently throughout the book.
The love that grows between Izzy and Rome is the kind that stays with you long after you’ve read every page. They quickly soared to the top of my all time favorites. I can’t even begin to explain the beauty that is Rome and Izzy, but what I can tell you is that you absolutely MUST READ this book!
September 12, 2018
This is a great start to a new series.
September 6, 2018
This author has some of the hottest, muscled men sporting jaw dropping abs and arms posing as bad boys with attitudes on her book covers, folks. Good gravy, they are certainly in a category all of their own. Throw in the intriguing synopsis that always seems to accompany them, and I find myself wanting to go on a Lani Lynn Vale reading binge. With an average of 10 - 12 books published a year, around 65 books so far, well, that likely isn’t going to happen anytime soon. But a girl can dream, right?
However, we all know what lies between the pages is what is really important. Each and every book needs to be scrutinized and put to the test of our own personal reading preferences. As an avid true romantic at heart, I require more than just steam and chemistry in my romantic reads. I need a genuine main couple emotional connection, engaging/intriguing plot, and writing that flows.
To say Mess Me Up starts off as an emotional tear jerker is putting it mildly. You feel Rome’s heartbreak right along with Izzy’s. The author did capture that desperation/tragedy well. No doubt, Izzy helped Rome get through and deal with every parent’s worst nightmare. As a couple though, they came across more as likable companions comforting each other who gradually fell into smexy like more than heart stopping love. I know...I know...We are told they were in love. They even say those three powerful little words, but I just didn’t overly feel it all the time. Sometimes I did, mind you, but not so much I knew deep down they would always fight for that love. Even they proved me right on that point, folks.
One big negative thing for me were the repulsive pictures Izzy found. I felt the author crossed a line there that just wasn’t necessary. Using that type of content involving kids to prop up a storyline felt wrong. I certainly didn’t need or want that brief but descriptive image shoved in my head. I wish I could unread it. As an avid mafia reader, I’m used to dark content. That, however, just didn’t belong. A child’s illness is one thing, but that touch of depravity detracted not added to the book. There are tons of different corrupt things that could have been attributed/laid at the feet of the bad guys instead that would have still portrayed them as sinister.
For a while after that, the storyline started to feel pieced together. For me, it basically felt the author hit her best high note with Rome’s little boy and wasn’t quite sure where to take the main couple’s relationship from there. This despite the predictable reason I knew was coming that would result in a main couple separation, along with an inevitable showdown with Izzy’s ex. Speaking of which, the final fallout felt quite random and thrown in. Like we needed a shootout, so here you go.
Rome’s big predictable, knucklehead moment had me wanting to slap him upside the head. The author created a sweet but very convenient way for Izzy to forgive him. I wanted him to grovel more than just a few seconds, folks.
I certainly don’t mean to mess with others appreciation for this book. I did enjoy large parts of it, but it simply didn’t stay as consistently good as I had hoped. It started to lose some of its mojo with me after the heartbreaking loss. The hateful, mean spirited animosity between Izzy and her parents that she kept putting up with and her walking for miles and miles every day because she didn’t have a car seemed overkill. Honestly, how did she ever have time to clean so many houses on a daily basis when she was obviously always traveling on foot?
As a lover of relationship angst, I don’t mind pushing away then having to grovel to get the girl back. In fact, ending a romantic tale with a grand gesture is one of my favorite wrap-ups. But I do expect huge payback and painful apologizes. Rome got off easy considering. I find it ironic he was cut a lot of slack due to his grief, but Izzy had to be strong/endure everything thrown her way despite her own crippling, personal past heartbreak, especially involving a child.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Mess Me Up, Series: Bear Bottom Guardians (Book 1), Author: Lani Lynn Vale, Pages: 246, stand-alone but part of a series, tear jerker beginning, very steamy scenes, disturbing child porn pics, knucklehead moment, comes to his senses, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
However, we all know what lies between the pages is what is really important. Each and every book needs to be scrutinized and put to the test of our own personal reading preferences. As an avid true romantic at heart, I require more than just steam and chemistry in my romantic reads. I need a genuine main couple emotional connection, engaging/intriguing plot, and writing that flows.
To say Mess Me Up starts off as an emotional tear jerker is putting it mildly. You feel Rome’s heartbreak right along with Izzy’s. The author did capture that desperation/tragedy well. No doubt, Izzy helped Rome get through and deal with every parent’s worst nightmare. As a couple though, they came across more as likable companions comforting each other who gradually fell into smexy like more than heart stopping love. I know...I know...We are told they were in love. They even say those three powerful little words, but I just didn’t overly feel it all the time. Sometimes I did, mind you, but not so much I knew deep down they would always fight for that love. Even they proved me right on that point, folks.
One big negative thing for me were the repulsive pictures Izzy found. I felt the author crossed a line there that just wasn’t necessary. Using that type of content involving kids to prop up a storyline felt wrong. I certainly didn’t need or want that brief but descriptive image shoved in my head. I wish I could unread it. As an avid mafia reader, I’m used to dark content. That, however, just didn’t belong. A child’s illness is one thing, but that touch of depravity detracted not added to the book. There are tons of different corrupt things that could have been attributed/laid at the feet of the bad guys instead that would have still portrayed them as sinister.
For a while after that, the storyline started to feel pieced together. For me, it basically felt the author hit her best high note with Rome’s little boy and wasn’t quite sure where to take the main couple’s relationship from there. This despite the predictable reason I knew was coming that would result in a main couple separation, along with an inevitable showdown with Izzy’s ex. Speaking of which, the final fallout felt quite random and thrown in. Like we needed a shootout, so here you go.
Rome’s big predictable, knucklehead moment had me wanting to slap him upside the head. The author created a sweet but very convenient way for Izzy to forgive him. I wanted him to grovel more than just a few seconds, folks.
I certainly don’t mean to mess with others appreciation for this book. I did enjoy large parts of it, but it simply didn’t stay as consistently good as I had hoped. It started to lose some of its mojo with me after the heartbreaking loss. The hateful, mean spirited animosity between Izzy and her parents that she kept putting up with and her walking for miles and miles every day because she didn’t have a car seemed overkill. Honestly, how did she ever have time to clean so many houses on a daily basis when she was obviously always traveling on foot?
As a lover of relationship angst, I don’t mind pushing away then having to grovel to get the girl back. In fact, ending a romantic tale with a grand gesture is one of my favorite wrap-ups. But I do expect huge payback and painful apologizes. Rome got off easy considering. I find it ironic he was cut a lot of slack due to his grief, but Izzy had to be strong/endure everything thrown her way despite her own crippling, personal past heartbreak, especially involving a child.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Mess Me Up, Series: Bear Bottom Guardians (Book 1), Author: Lani Lynn Vale, Pages: 246, stand-alone but part of a series, tear jerker beginning, very steamy scenes, disturbing child porn pics, knucklehead moment, comes to his senses, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/PR firm.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
WTF MAN. This kinda heart hurting book needs to come with a warning sign.
I'm going to say now that this will splinter your heart into tiny little pieces.
I knew from the sneak peaks of Rome in Tyler and Reagan's book that it was no doubt going to be a tough read. This author has a way of defying any and all of my expectations and she did that shit once again bringing me to the brink of emotional stability (which I might add is not great on the best of days).
It's hard to review this one because despite you probably already having an idea of where Rome's story is going to go it pales in comparison to reading the reality of it.
This isn't your generic boy meets girl they have ups and downs and live HEA romance.
Rome gutted me from the first page and continued to do so until the very last. He's got rough edges with a centre so sweet it'll have your ovaries threatening to self combust. So strong yet so fucking broken. He has all those bad ass alpha qualities we all desire wrapped up in a wall of distraught, anger, heartbreak and love. His character has so much depth you'll forever be digging and never find the bottom.
Isadora / Izzy is just the sweetest. I didn't expect her story so I wasn't prepared from the emotional breakdown that followed hitting me like a freaking fright train. That women is something else. She has all the qualities I love in a heroine times ten. Smart,sassy,strong and unyielding. She is the epitome of a survivor. Despite her story, her fears and her insecurities she got on with her life and she did so without complaints. A neturer at heart going above for those she cares about even if that means going without herself.
They are a fucking mess. Straight up two very broken people who just can't catch a fucking break defying the odds and making eachother whole. It is not an easy journey for them. Infact I'd go as far as saying I wondered at points if they would get their HEA. This story would affect anyone with a heart but as a mother myself it had me in pieces. I can't even fathom what kind of strength it took to get through writting this without legit having a breakdown because I had a few. The emotion that pours out is so raw it's palpable. The story breaks you down to build you back up only to break you down again. In my mind there has never been two characters as right for eachother than Rome and Izzy. Yes I was that batshit crazy lady screaming, balling, laughing and getting all the naughty tingles from this book. This story is a journey in every sense.
Heartbreak and loss. Healing and love. Hurt and anger. Humour and friendship. It all felt so real. Climactic, suspenseful, heartbreaking, funny and sexy this story has it all but above that it's written to absolute perfection dragging you through the mother load of emotional rollercoasters leaving you rung dry and emotionally exhausted. I sobbed, shouted, laughed, cried again x10 and got all kinds of tingly from all the heat because lord have mercy Lani can write a sex scene like no other.
I could go on for ever but I'd likely be repeating myself so I'll just stop here. I'm a fan and have been since forever. I know well that Lani can write a story and it hits the nail every time!. This one just destroyed the fucking hammer for me.
I'll pop back with a favourite quote or two after the release day!. I may even add something more to the never ending babbling I just did.
I kindly received this ARC from InkSlingerPR in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to say now that this will splinter your heart into tiny little pieces.
I knew from the sneak peaks of Rome in Tyler and Reagan's book that it was no doubt going to be a tough read. This author has a way of defying any and all of my expectations and she did that shit once again bringing me to the brink of emotional stability (which I might add is not great on the best of days).
It's hard to review this one because despite you probably already having an idea of where Rome's story is going to go it pales in comparison to reading the reality of it.
This isn't your generic boy meets girl they have ups and downs and live HEA romance.
Rome gutted me from the first page and continued to do so until the very last. He's got rough edges with a centre so sweet it'll have your ovaries threatening to self combust. So strong yet so fucking broken. He has all those bad ass alpha qualities we all desire wrapped up in a wall of distraught, anger, heartbreak and love. His character has so much depth you'll forever be digging and never find the bottom.
Isadora / Izzy is just the sweetest. I didn't expect her story so I wasn't prepared from the emotional breakdown that followed hitting me like a freaking fright train. That women is something else. She has all the qualities I love in a heroine times ten. Smart,sassy,strong and unyielding. She is the epitome of a survivor. Despite her story, her fears and her insecurities she got on with her life and she did so without complaints. A neturer at heart going above for those she cares about even if that means going without herself.
They are a fucking mess. Straight up two very broken people who just can't catch a fucking break defying the odds and making eachother whole. It is not an easy journey for them. Infact I'd go as far as saying I wondered at points if they would get their HEA. This story would affect anyone with a heart but as a mother myself it had me in pieces. I can't even fathom what kind of strength it took to get through writting this without legit having a breakdown because I had a few. The emotion that pours out is so raw it's palpable. The story breaks you down to build you back up only to break you down again. In my mind there has never been two characters as right for eachother than Rome and Izzy. Yes I was that batshit crazy lady screaming, balling, laughing and getting all the naughty tingles from this book. This story is a journey in every sense.
Heartbreak and loss. Healing and love. Hurt and anger. Humour and friendship. It all felt so real. Climactic, suspenseful, heartbreaking, funny and sexy this story has it all but above that it's written to absolute perfection dragging you through the mother load of emotional rollercoasters leaving you rung dry and emotionally exhausted. I sobbed, shouted, laughed, cried again x10 and got all kinds of tingly from all the heat because lord have mercy Lani can write a sex scene like no other.
I could go on for ever but I'd likely be repeating myself so I'll just stop here. I'm a fan and have been since forever. I know well that Lani can write a story and it hits the nail every time!. This one just destroyed the fucking hammer for me.
I'll pop back with a favourite quote or two after the release day!. I may even add something more to the never ending babbling I just did.
I kindly received this ARC from InkSlingerPR in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2019
Rome Pierce walked away from his career for reasons only known to himself. The one person that has gotten through to him though is Isadora Solis. Izzy is a house cleaner who has come into Rome's life and been a bright spot in a very dark tunnel. As Rome and Izzy get closer they both fall for one another but what happens when another blow is thrown Rome's way.
This is a big tear jerker. Has some triggers and at times some of the pages were very difficult to read. If your looking for a tear jerker, this is the one to pick up. I was blown away by the beginning of this series. Anxious to see what happens in the next book.
This is a big tear jerker. Has some triggers and at times some of the pages were very difficult to read. If your looking for a tear jerker, this is the one to pick up. I was blown away by the beginning of this series. Anxious to see what happens in the next book.
October 5, 2023
Beautifully written and emotionally raw. Loved Izzy and Romes's story was so emotional and heartfelt and it just breaks your heart. Izzy was such a sweetheart of a woman we just loved her she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was out.
Our heart broke for all Rome has endured when it came to loving and tragically losing his son. The man wore his heart on his sleeve.
Izzy just being Izzy slowly brought the man back to life. Their story had a lot of ups and downs for Rome and Izzy but, in the end, all those rough patches would give them a few miracles of their own.
Our heart broke for all Rome has endured when it came to loving and tragically losing his son. The man wore his heart on his sleeve.
Izzy just being Izzy slowly brought the man back to life. Their story had a lot of ups and downs for Rome and Izzy but, in the end, all those rough patches would give them a few miracles of their own.
September 4, 2018
Mess me up will mess you up. This one is a tearjerker and you should keep tissues near you when you read the book. I was not a fan of that particular plotline, but it was realistic. Rome is not ok, Izzy is not ok and I wasn't ok. Neither had an easy life and their journey in this part of their story is just as tough. The author made me understand why both of them reacted in the ways they did and I could see why they had different reactions to the same problem. I liked each person for different reasons. The secondary characters were the best and I want to read all of their stories. I am glad that Linc is next and I want Slate to get his happy ending after him. He might have killed someone, but I liked him and it's not like he did it because he is crazy.
One of the reasons I read the book was the MC element. Unfortunately, this book felt to me like any other non-MC story. The member of the club helped Rome a lot, but I wanted to see more of the club and the dynamics there. The Bear Bottom Guardians MC acted just like guardians, without the MC and I didn't like that. It's the reason I am giving 4 stars to the book.
I don't think I have read another book written by this author, but I plan to at least continue reading the series. I liked the writing and the book set up nicely the members of the club. It's not one of the easiest books to read plot-wise, but it's worth to try.
One of the reasons I read the book was the MC element. Unfortunately, this book felt to me like any other non-MC story. The member of the club helped Rome a lot, but I wanted to see more of the club and the dynamics there. The Bear Bottom Guardians MC acted just like guardians, without the MC and I didn't like that. It's the reason I am giving 4 stars to the book.
I don't think I have read another book written by this author, but I plan to at least continue reading the series. I liked the writing and the book set up nicely the members of the club. It's not one of the easiest books to read plot-wise, but it's worth to try.
September 4, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH INKSLINGER PR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
This was my first time reading this author, and boy, was I surprised by it! It definitely won’t be my last time with this author!
This book was very engaging and the characters easy to connect with. It tugged at my heartstrings so much! Isadora and Rome were perfect for each other, even when Rome had his head totally borked! I disagreed with some of his decisions, but I could see why he made them. I didn’t like how Izzy wouldn’t stand up to her family much, but there were moments where she did and it was enough.
I loved the world building in this story! I was intrigued by the idea of a Motorcycle Club founding a town, and how it would all work. I liked that this club seemed to be more along the lines of being on the right side of the law, instead of an outlaw club. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the town...and the series!
This was my first time reading this author, and boy, was I surprised by it! It definitely won’t be my last time with this author!
This book was very engaging and the characters easy to connect with. It tugged at my heartstrings so much! Isadora and Rome were perfect for each other, even when Rome had his head totally borked! I disagreed with some of his decisions, but I could see why he made them. I didn’t like how Izzy wouldn’t stand up to her family much, but there were moments where she did and it was enough.
I loved the world building in this story! I was intrigued by the idea of a Motorcycle Club founding a town, and how it would all work. I liked that this club seemed to be more along the lines of being on the right side of the law, instead of an outlaw club. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the town...and the series!
July 23, 2024
4/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️ 4/5🎧
——• 🖤
I cried numerous times throughout this book, holy hell this was emotional...
Rome is a retired NFL player and is part of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC. While Izzy (Isadora) grew up in the small town of BB working with her family cleaning houses but was mostly known as one of the most genuine down to earth people who was always willing to help others.
This is how she got to know Rome's little boy as well as Rome himself only she held a secret he didn't know while both of them shared similar heartbreak. There was honestly so much pain and heartache throughout this book from the loss in their past and even their present but they found a way to face their new future with each other and a whole lot of love.
The audiobook was great, especially when our man Aiden Snow is part of it so I would 100% recommend this one but please know this book is about child loss at multiple stages.
——• 🖤
I cried numerous times throughout this book, holy hell this was emotional...
Rome is a retired NFL player and is part of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC. While Izzy (Isadora) grew up in the small town of BB working with her family cleaning houses but was mostly known as one of the most genuine down to earth people who was always willing to help others.
This is how she got to know Rome's little boy as well as Rome himself only she held a secret he didn't know while both of them shared similar heartbreak. There was honestly so much pain and heartache throughout this book from the loss in their past and even their present but they found a way to face their new future with each other and a whole lot of love.
The audiobook was great, especially when our man Aiden Snow is part of it so I would 100% recommend this one but please know this book is about child loss at multiple stages.
August 27, 2018
5 out of 5 stars
This one tore me up. I cried buckets while reading Rome’s story - which didn't surprise me after meeting him in Too Bad So Sad, his best friend, Tyler’s, story! Though it wasn’t all sad tears, there were times I was crying because I was so happy with how the story was going.
Rome is the best of the best as far as book boyfriends go. He is messed up, but as he realizes it he does everything he can to fix it. Issy is a super strong heroine who takes care of herself and those around her - and tries to eliminate the negative she doesn’t need! The two of them are a perfect match and reading their story was pure joy!
I really, really loved this story. I loved the letters from his biggest fan. I loved how much Izzy loved Matias. I loved that even though Tara was pure evil (or so it seemed) they found forgiveness for her. This book just really took me on an emotional roller coaster that I honestly never wanted to end.
One of my favorite parts of Ms. Vale’s books are the chapter headings and the ones in this book made me laugh so hard I had to share them with a book friend. They are just perfection - and always align so well with the characters in question. She is just one author I can’t refuse the chance to read!!!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
This one tore me up. I cried buckets while reading Rome’s story - which didn't surprise me after meeting him in Too Bad So Sad, his best friend, Tyler’s, story! Though it wasn’t all sad tears, there were times I was crying because I was so happy with how the story was going.
Rome is the best of the best as far as book boyfriends go. He is messed up, but as he realizes it he does everything he can to fix it. Issy is a super strong heroine who takes care of herself and those around her - and tries to eliminate the negative she doesn’t need! The two of them are a perfect match and reading their story was pure joy!
I really, really loved this story. I loved the letters from his biggest fan. I loved how much Izzy loved Matias. I loved that even though Tara was pure evil (or so it seemed) they found forgiveness for her. This book just really took me on an emotional roller coaster that I honestly never wanted to end.
One of my favorite parts of Ms. Vale’s books are the chapter headings and the ones in this book made me laugh so hard I had to share them with a book friend. They are just perfection - and always align so well with the characters in question. She is just one author I can’t refuse the chance to read!!!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
September 4, 2018
This is one of those books that you have to be in the right frame of mind to read... and I wasn't. If you read pretty much all the books that Ms Vale releases then you will have known to expect that this book might be a bit of a sad one from the introduction to Rome in Too Bad So sad. Rome is the hero of this book and his little boy is sick. The book takes you through the progression of his illness and the results of the consequences. The heroine is Izzy who is a wonderful, caring and beautiful person and comes along to hold the father and son in her arms. This is a book filled with ups and many downs. IT is VERY emotional and I will probably have to re-read it at some later date when I am in the right frame of mind for a tearjerker.
September 7, 2018
Mess Me Up
What a great and heart wrenching story. Rome is one of the sweetest guys and a terrific Dad. Izzy is a very special woman. They have both suffered the unthinkable. When life gives them a second chance, will they be able to lose the fear to grasp it? Read this first book in Lani Lynn Vale's newest series to find out.
What a great and heart wrenching story. Rome is one of the sweetest guys and a terrific Dad. Izzy is a very special woman. They have both suffered the unthinkable. When life gives them a second chance, will they be able to lose the fear to grasp it? Read this first book in Lani Lynn Vale's newest series to find out.
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June 20, 2023I stopped before it even started, that's why I didn't give any stars.
In the first chapter we deal with him and his kid who is dying from leukemia. NO THANK YOU. I don't want to read about dying children for my entertainment.
This is a hard pass for me.
In the first chapter we deal with him and his kid who is dying from leukemia. NO THANK YOU. I don't want to read about dying children for my entertainment.
This is a hard pass for me.
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September 4, 2018
I never knew what the heroines meant when I read in my books about feeling protected in a man's arms. But now, with the way that Rome felt surrounding me? Yeah, I finally got it. I now knew what that protection they described felt like. We stayed like that for a very long time. So long, in fact, that I wasn't sure he was capable of letting me go.
This book ... I was not expecting the level of feelings that I experienced while reading it, but wow did this story hit me right in the heart. Isadora and Rome have a bit of a complicated relationship, with pasts that aren't entirely out in the open and futures that are quite unclear. With so much going on around them and within their lives, there were a couple points I wasn't sure if things were going to get better for them.
This was probably one of my favorite stories from LLV to date. I always love something about every story, but this story seemed deeper to me and everything about it crawled into my heart and just settled there.
I know this review seems vague, but there are too many elements to this story that I don't want to give away so that you can experience them yourself. Trust me, you'll want to experience everything yourself.
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