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The Amherst Sinners #2
The Best Moments
SAINT
College turned out to be my first everything.
Love.
Sex.
Heartbreak.
Betrayal.
Giving up and running home wasn’t an option.
My life was stained by absentee parents, a night of regret still haunting me, and living so controlled I barely felt anything, but white knuckles before I met Oliver.
Least he was a stain I wore proudly.
One pretty face made me feel everything.
For that, all I wanted was to save Oliver from his past more than myself.
Isn’t that what unconditional love is?
SINNER
College was supposed to be my second chance.
I was working on my third.
I broke her heart in record time.
Everyone leaves and no one ever comes back. I knew that best. Even Layla.
The guilt of another regret weighted too heavy. So heavy, I invited my demons back in to soften the blow.
I added more mistakes to my bad reputation.
Everyone was right about me.
It was never my demons, she was never the cure, and I’m simply a pretty face with an ugly past.
College turned out to be my first everything.
Love.
Sex.
Heartbreak.
Betrayal.
Giving up and running home wasn’t an option.
My life was stained by absentee parents, a night of regret still haunting me, and living so controlled I barely felt anything, but white knuckles before I met Oliver.
Least he was a stain I wore proudly.
One pretty face made me feel everything.
For that, all I wanted was to save Oliver from his past more than myself.
Isn’t that what unconditional love is?
SINNER
College was supposed to be my second chance.
I was working on my third.
I broke her heart in record time.
Everyone leaves and no one ever comes back. I knew that best. Even Layla.
The guilt of another regret weighted too heavy. So heavy, I invited my demons back in to soften the blow.
I added more mistakes to my bad reputation.
Everyone was right about me.
It was never my demons, she was never the cure, and I’m simply a pretty face with an ugly past.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2019
26 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Elena Monroe
18 books546 followersElena Monroe grew up in Florida scribbling down stories from a very young age. These stories were really just wavy lines filling the paper, but she knew each word, each emotion, each character's name, and there was no tricking her into forgetting what each line signified. Just like her unconventional way of writing as a toddler Elena is setting her own rules and just telling stories.
Much like her debut novel, The Best Years, life certainly imitated art. Transplanting from the South to the East Coast, Elena currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, reformed bad boy.
Find her on her social media through Twitter at @elenamonroe, Instagram at @elenamonroewrites, Facebook at @elenamonroewrites, and more!
Much like her debut novel, The Best Years, life certainly imitated art. Transplanting from the South to the East Coast, Elena currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, reformed bad boy.
Find her on her social media through Twitter at @elenamonroe, Instagram at @elenamonroewrites, Facebook at @elenamonroewrites, and more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 12, 2019
Five stars for Layla and Ollie 💕!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Everything I said in the review for the first book "The Best Years" stays for this one too...
Elena again didn't disappoint!
"The Best Moments" left me without any emotions in me and in the end with three words: "I want more!".
I hope that we'll get "The Best Mistakes" before the end of this year because I can find out what will happen next to Layla and Ollie.
What can I say? They have my heart!
Highly recommended!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Everything I said in the review for the first book "The Best Years" stays for this one too...
Elena again didn't disappoint!
"The Best Moments" left me without any emotions in me and in the end with three words: "I want more!".
I hope that we'll get "The Best Mistakes" before the end of this year because I can find out what will happen next to Layla and Ollie.
What can I say? They have my heart!
Highly recommended!!!
Want to read
May 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/23/2020)! 🎁
August 10, 2019
*Got an ARC for honest reviews* (Non-spoiler review.)
OMG! I was so excited to finally read the 2nd book of this series! I fell in love with the characters in book 1 and it did not disappoint me at all! The series just keeps on getting better!
The Best Moments
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, College Romance
Book Cover: I LOVE IT!!! AHHH! I saw the book cover because Elena showed it to me and I AM IN LOVE!!!
Plot/Setting: The story continues where we left off from book 1. the sinners are still in college and..... a lot of stuff happens. I LOVED THE DRAMA AND ALL OF THE SCENES IN THIS BOOK!!!
Characters: What can I say? I LOVE THEM. I wanna cry because these characters are my life and they are definitely relatable in a way, where you can feel as if you are in their position. I JUST LOVE THEM. PERIOD.
Writing: Well obviously, I love the writing. It became better! Elena just keeps on improving!
Romance: I LOVEEEEEEE IT! LOOOOOOOVE.
Overall, I give this book 5 stars! AS USUAL! Elena never disappoints me! Give this book a try if you like new adult college romances!
-thefriendlybookcorner
OMG! I was so excited to finally read the 2nd book of this series! I fell in love with the characters in book 1 and it did not disappoint me at all! The series just keeps on getting better!
The Best Moments
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, College Romance
Book Cover: I LOVE IT!!! AHHH! I saw the book cover because Elena showed it to me and I AM IN LOVE!!!
Plot/Setting: The story continues where we left off from book 1. the sinners are still in college and..... a lot of stuff happens. I LOVED THE DRAMA AND ALL OF THE SCENES IN THIS BOOK!!!
Characters: What can I say? I LOVE THEM. I wanna cry because these characters are my life and they are definitely relatable in a way, where you can feel as if you are in their position. I JUST LOVE THEM. PERIOD.
Writing: Well obviously, I love the writing. It became better! Elena just keeps on improving!
Romance: I LOVEEEEEEE IT! LOOOOOOOVE.
Overall, I give this book 5 stars! AS USUAL! Elena never disappoints me! Give this book a try if you like new adult college romances!
-thefriendlybookcorner
October 30, 2019
Holy moly ... destruction .
I’ve just finished this book and I wanted to rate it with these feelings fresh .
This story is a train wreck , I mean it’s like watching a bunch of young adults self destruct and there’s nothing u can do to help them . I want to shake them and help them get it all out .
I want to wake Layla up and say wtf is the deal with hunter ... it’s twisted and stupid haha
Ollie .. my heart breaks for him but argh to his addiction . Well written and realistic though . Denial is a huge part of it for addicts and how they just ‘manage’ it.
This book is so full of messages, there’s love and loss , self discovery and self destruction , addiction , forgiveness and sins , friendship and family , just to name a few . It’s rich and intriguing .
I could not put this book down ! It’s emotional it’s angsty and it’s raw .
It is book 2 in a trilogy so make sure u read the best years first or you’ll be lost !
I’m so glad the best mistakes (book 3) is about to be released cos the ending here left me NEEDING
I’ve just finished this book and I wanted to rate it with these feelings fresh .
This story is a train wreck , I mean it’s like watching a bunch of young adults self destruct and there’s nothing u can do to help them . I want to shake them and help them get it all out .
I want to wake Layla up and say wtf is the deal with hunter ... it’s twisted and stupid haha
Ollie .. my heart breaks for him but argh to his addiction . Well written and realistic though . Denial is a huge part of it for addicts and how they just ‘manage’ it.
This book is so full of messages, there’s love and loss , self discovery and self destruction , addiction , forgiveness and sins , friendship and family , just to name a few . It’s rich and intriguing .
I could not put this book down ! It’s emotional it’s angsty and it’s raw .
It is book 2 in a trilogy so make sure u read the best years first or you’ll be lost !
I’m so glad the best mistakes (book 3) is about to be released cos the ending here left me NEEDING
September 5, 2019
Oh my, where do I even began?
This book’s better than the first one. It makes you hate and love the characters at the same time, there are just too many feelings involved.
I really loved that we got to know the POV of other characters and not just Ollie and Layla.
The way Layla grows on this second part it’s amazing and beautiful to watch, as for Oliver we see him suffer and that totally broke me.
I cannot wait to know more about this story in the third book, I cannot say more without giving spoilers. Read it, people!! That’s all I have to say.
PS I kindly received an ARC from the author
This book’s better than the first one. It makes you hate and love the characters at the same time, there are just too many feelings involved.
I really loved that we got to know the POV of other characters and not just Ollie and Layla.
The way Layla grows on this second part it’s amazing and beautiful to watch, as for Oliver we see him suffer and that totally broke me.
I cannot wait to know more about this story in the third book, I cannot say more without giving spoilers. Read it, people!! That’s all I have to say.
PS I kindly received an ARC from the author
March 16, 2021
In the best years, I kind of hated ollie, I mean he confused me. With his highs and lows. Even in this book he still does the same. But I will say this hes a good friend but shitty boyfriend. He has a lot to learn but so does Layla. And I don't know how to feel about Hunter right now.
October 25, 2019
4.5/5 Stars
This story just about killed me in the best possible way and I'm still not ok. This is book 2 in the Amherst Sinners trilogy and the continuation of Oliver and Layla's story. These books need to be read in order
This had double the angst, double the drama, ripped my heart out, set it on fire and tore my soul into a million pieces and I LOVED IT
Ollie - I Love You sooo much. Witnessing you battle your inner demons was emotional and gut wrenching. I wish he had a better way of communicating his issues instead of hiding behind his walls but with everything thrown his way as well as everything he has had to deal with its very understandable and heart breaking to watch
Layla - not gonna lie there where multiple times i wanted to shake her and ask her what she was thinking. She made some judgement calls that tore me apart but we also got to see her grow into a more confident, sure of herself and sometimes sassy girl that we are all rooting for and love very much
If you are a fan of New Adult College Dramas that are steamy, oh so sexy while also enjoy being taken on an emotional roller coaster of a ride you will love this series. This book again ends on a cliff hanger and you are going to want to read book 3 The Best Mistakes. If like me you enjoy torturing your heart with books like these then this series is a must read
if you a sensitive to trigger warnings you should take caution when reading
This story just about killed me in the best possible way and I'm still not ok. This is book 2 in the Amherst Sinners trilogy and the continuation of Oliver and Layla's story. These books need to be read in order
This had double the angst, double the drama, ripped my heart out, set it on fire and tore my soul into a million pieces and I LOVED IT
Ollie - I Love You sooo much. Witnessing you battle your inner demons was emotional and gut wrenching. I wish he had a better way of communicating his issues instead of hiding behind his walls but with everything thrown his way as well as everything he has had to deal with its very understandable and heart breaking to watch
Layla - not gonna lie there where multiple times i wanted to shake her and ask her what she was thinking. She made some judgement calls that tore me apart but we also got to see her grow into a more confident, sure of herself and sometimes sassy girl that we are all rooting for and love very much
If you are a fan of New Adult College Dramas that are steamy, oh so sexy while also enjoy being taken on an emotional roller coaster of a ride you will love this series. This book again ends on a cliff hanger and you are going to want to read book 3 The Best Mistakes. If like me you enjoy torturing your heart with books like these then this series is a must read
if you a sensitive to trigger warnings you should take caution when reading
October 12, 2019
My brain just melted.
Secrets, lies, friendships are out in the open. Truths and trust have been exposed, and everything is spiraling out of control.
I absolutely am blown away.
My Oliver. Poor Oliver sucked into his madness and half in and half out of his relationship, even if he loves Layla.
And Layla, torn between her friendship and her relationship, basking in the safety of being left in the dark.
I need book 3. Like right away!
Secrets, lies, friendships are out in the open. Truths and trust have been exposed, and everything is spiraling out of control.
I absolutely am blown away.
My Oliver. Poor Oliver sucked into his madness and half in and half out of his relationship, even if he loves Layla.
And Layla, torn between her friendship and her relationship, basking in the safety of being left in the dark.
I need book 3. Like right away!
August 12, 2019
Another amazing read Elena! Again you left me not wanting to put this down! The Best Moments left me with so many emotions and feelings! The story had drama's and secrets! I do love the Amherst Sinners characters and their personalities! I think book3 The Best Mistakes is going to be the best of the best! A must read series!
August 2, 2020
So this is series was my first read of this author--now a new favorite. I loved this series. Well written, easy flow to the story. This story checked all the emotional boxes. I have to tell you that there was so much angst in this story that I would literally shut off my kindle and lay it down only to not be able to stand it and pick it right back up. I read all three books plus the novella in two days. I could NOT put them down. I loved the characters and found myself always rooting for Oliver. I loved that Layla always called him Oliver while everyone else called him Ollie. There were so many story lines mixed into these books and I thought the author did a great job pulling them all together.
Some holes and other stuff. I am big on covers. They help me in putting faces to characters so when they are inconsistent it takes away from the overall experience for me. I am one of those that picks a book by its cover. Anyway, the first book totally depicts Oliver and I LOVED it. The second cover, I'm not sure if that is supposed to be Oliver or someone else in the group, although if you take the byline, I think it is supposed to be Oliver and another model was used--confusing. Oliver's signature in the book is his tats and the new cover model--no tats.
There were some minor typos and some grammatical errors, but not enough to be too distracting from the story.
There were some things pulled into the story there were left undone. Wasn't sure if this was on purpose or not. Not a major distraction, but just noted.
Spoiler Alert...
.
.
.
The only loose end for me that was distracting was the fact that Layla never knew the true extent of Hunter's betrayal. In reading the 4th book, you get a different picture of Hunter and his version of their first sexual experience which they both interpreted differently. This was the only iffy piece for me. If he had truly been watching her for so long, loving her in the background then he would have known that this was her first drinking experience and sex would not be a good idea. For me it would have been more believable if he had just said he lost control and couldn't help himself...or something along that line.
Overall, AWESOME and would highly recommend.
Some holes and other stuff. I am big on covers. They help me in putting faces to characters so when they are inconsistent it takes away from the overall experience for me. I am one of those that picks a book by its cover. Anyway, the first book totally depicts Oliver and I LOVED it. The second cover, I'm not sure if that is supposed to be Oliver or someone else in the group, although if you take the byline, I think it is supposed to be Oliver and another model was used--confusing. Oliver's signature in the book is his tats and the new cover model--no tats.
There were some minor typos and some grammatical errors, but not enough to be too distracting from the story.
There were some things pulled into the story there were left undone. Wasn't sure if this was on purpose or not. Not a major distraction, but just noted.
Spoiler Alert...
.
.
.
The only loose end for me that was distracting was the fact that Layla never knew the true extent of Hunter's betrayal. In reading the 4th book, you get a different picture of Hunter and his version of their first sexual experience which they both interpreted differently. This was the only iffy piece for me. If he had truly been watching her for so long, loving her in the background then he would have known that this was her first drinking experience and sex would not be a good idea. For me it would have been more believable if he had just said he lost control and couldn't help himself...or something along that line.
Overall, AWESOME and would highly recommend.
August 29, 2019
This book is filled with so much of everything. I thought I couldn’t love the series anymore, but I was wrong. The first book I was quickly captivated, but this one I didn’t know what to expect. AND TRUST ME it was nothing I tried to expect.
Oliver’s character goes through so much in this book. And I feel so much for him. I cried in one of my favorite scenes with his dad. It was something I didn’t expect and it filled me with so much emotion; happiness, relieved, etc. I’m so scared for his character development because he literally just seems to be getting into a darker state of man. And it hurts my heart. Yeah, he might be the bad rude boy, but his love for Layla is endless and it’s admirable. He does things wrong all the time, but the amount of effort is overwhelming of needing someone to that degree.
Layla, her development is amazing. She’s nothing like the girl that hid behind her own skin in the first book which is admirable. She did make me frustrated because of the whole Hunter thing. Which to this day I still don’t get how she could be around him. But hey that’s what makes the book so much more addicting. You want to know why and or Ollie is will be the “one” for her. I like to think it’s a BIG FAT YES, but that author is so good at throwing cliffhangers that I’m scared. Btw she gives the most awesome cliffhangers! It keeps me hooked.
Overall this story is captivating, addicting, I want more. I seriously can’t wait to read the third book. Also can’t wait to have both of these in paperback. Just waiting for the paperback version of this one to be released. Currently you can read in kindle unlimited or to buy on kindle. I will be posting an edit after this that inspires this book. It will have the blurb and more details.
*I received an ARC from the author*
Oliver’s character goes through so much in this book. And I feel so much for him. I cried in one of my favorite scenes with his dad. It was something I didn’t expect and it filled me with so much emotion; happiness, relieved, etc. I’m so scared for his character development because he literally just seems to be getting into a darker state of man. And it hurts my heart. Yeah, he might be the bad rude boy, but his love for Layla is endless and it’s admirable. He does things wrong all the time, but the amount of effort is overwhelming of needing someone to that degree.
Layla, her development is amazing. She’s nothing like the girl that hid behind her own skin in the first book which is admirable. She did make me frustrated because of the whole Hunter thing. Which to this day I still don’t get how she could be around him. But hey that’s what makes the book so much more addicting. You want to know why and or Ollie is will be the “one” for her. I like to think it’s a BIG FAT YES, but that author is so good at throwing cliffhangers that I’m scared. Btw she gives the most awesome cliffhangers! It keeps me hooked.
Overall this story is captivating, addicting, I want more. I seriously can’t wait to read the third book. Also can’t wait to have both of these in paperback. Just waiting for the paperback version of this one to be released. Currently you can read in kindle unlimited or to buy on kindle. I will be posting an edit after this that inspires this book. It will have the blurb and more details.
*I received an ARC from the author*
September 13, 2019
Elena writes the best angsty New Adult Romance I’ve read in a long time.
The sort of stories that knot your gut all up inside and make you anxious to read them but just like an addict you can’t help yourself.
YOU NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS.
After The Best Years I was dying to find how more about Hunter. And when I found out that Hunter was going to be making more than a guest appearance in book two The Best Moments I was practically salivating. I always felt like Hunter had so much more to his story. There were motives driving him that we just weren’t privy to.
Layla and Ollie are obviously our main couple goals but what about the the people around them? These are the questions that were constantly spinning in my head after TBY. Luckily, just like she always does Elena delivers exactly what I needed when I needed it.
The gang is back and their backstories are brought to light. Hunter shares his side. Ollie and Layla are richer and deeper as characters this time around and it’s as if you went from black and white to full vivid color this time around. The drama is juicier, the stakes are higher and these moments? Well....they are the best yet.
There are two sides to every story and this one is Hunters. But...what happens when the full story makes you wish you never knew it?
The sort of stories that knot your gut all up inside and make you anxious to read them but just like an addict you can’t help yourself.
YOU NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS.
After The Best Years I was dying to find how more about Hunter. And when I found out that Hunter was going to be making more than a guest appearance in book two The Best Moments I was practically salivating. I always felt like Hunter had so much more to his story. There were motives driving him that we just weren’t privy to.
Layla and Ollie are obviously our main couple goals but what about the the people around them? These are the questions that were constantly spinning in my head after TBY. Luckily, just like she always does Elena delivers exactly what I needed when I needed it.
The gang is back and their backstories are brought to light. Hunter shares his side. Ollie and Layla are richer and deeper as characters this time around and it’s as if you went from black and white to full vivid color this time around. The drama is juicier, the stakes are higher and these moments? Well....they are the best yet.
There are two sides to every story and this one is Hunters. But...what happens when the full story makes you wish you never knew it?
September 13, 2020
This book is raw and gritty ... it gutted me .. Oliver is killing me with his self destructive ways.. he thinks he’s not obvious the way most addicts do... he’s obvious to everyone except Layla who just doesn’t want to see or has truly never been around an addict before..
Hunter and Jade are perfect for each other.. selfish and true addicts.,things in this book are messy and sloppy how true addicts behave.. I’m not sure why Caden and Aspen keep throwing all these parties and then yelling at Oliver when he relapses.. or maybe they just don’t care like they say they do.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book .. not because I didn’t like it but because it was so hard to read.. everyone of these characters are selfish .. Layla has really got to grow up and start paying more attention.. which I hope happens in the next book.. sorry if my review is all over the place but that’s how I’m feeling about this book right now .just keep reading.. it gets so good in book three that now book two makes more sense if that makes sense ..
Hunter and Jade are perfect for each other.. selfish and true addicts.,things in this book are messy and sloppy how true addicts behave.. I’m not sure why Caden and Aspen keep throwing all these parties and then yelling at Oliver when he relapses.. or maybe they just don’t care like they say they do.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book .. not because I didn’t like it but because it was so hard to read.. everyone of these characters are selfish .. Layla has really got to grow up and start paying more attention.. which I hope happens in the next book.. sorry if my review is all over the place but that’s how I’m feeling about this book right now .just keep reading.. it gets so good in book three that now book two makes more sense if that makes sense ..
September 21, 2020
Hunter hits his mark
Hunter becomes a rock for his princess over Christmas and decides its not enough. He transfers and brings havoc with him. Layla stuck in the middle and trying to survive will face obstacles she's not prepared for. I'm not sure what you would call this book because its bot a bully romance but it has your alpha make jerks, insecure look at me jealous girls and the one girl who is sweet and innocent. What ever you would call it, the author has done a stellar job of making you emotionally attached to them all. Seriously the urge to laugh,cry or scream with them is present on every page. The second in this series and ending on a cliffhanger this book weasels in and has you dying for more.
Hunter becomes a rock for his princess over Christmas and decides its not enough. He transfers and brings havoc with him. Layla stuck in the middle and trying to survive will face obstacles she's not prepared for. I'm not sure what you would call this book because its bot a bully romance but it has your alpha make jerks, insecure look at me jealous girls and the one girl who is sweet and innocent. What ever you would call it, the author has done a stellar job of making you emotionally attached to them all. Seriously the urge to laugh,cry or scream with them is present on every page. The second in this series and ending on a cliffhanger this book weasels in and has you dying for more.
September 11, 2019
This story picks up where the last one left up and continues the story of Oliver and Layla. Two characters that are complete opposites to each other but are really great together. I found that this story really captured my attention and left me wanting more. This story really took you on a wild ride of emotions throughout the story.
Layla really grew throughout this story and I loved the way that things started to turn around for her within this story.
Oliver really went through a lot throughout this story and I really felt for him throughout the story.
The ending of this story really left me wanting more and i cannot wait until the next book in the series is released.
Layla really grew throughout this story and I loved the way that things started to turn around for her within this story.
Oliver really went through a lot throughout this story and I really felt for him throughout the story.
The ending of this story really left me wanting more and i cannot wait until the next book in the series is released.
October 30, 2019
This group of friends really are Sinners and they were their titles like badges of honors. They definitely have reasons for it though. This book is definitely better than the first, but is not near as good as the 3rd book, but sometimes that is just how it is with trilogies!
I am still having trouble connecting with these characters, but the world, the world is just freaking fantastic! Keep reading on dear readers, I assure you that this series is worth it!
I am still having trouble connecting with these characters, but the world, the world is just freaking fantastic! Keep reading on dear readers, I assure you that this series is worth it!
November 13, 2019
Emotional
This second book is so emotional it made me want to throw things just like Oliver sometimes. It is beautifully written and the characters are so well developed, it sucks you in. On to book 3,
This second book is so emotional it made me want to throw things just like Oliver sometimes. It is beautifully written and the characters are so well developed, it sucks you in. On to book 3,
December 20, 2020
The Best Moments is about Layla’s second year at Amherst college in Massachusetts. After a two month winter break from Oliver Layla comes back with a guy hanging on her arm. This year is going to be fun. We welcome some new arrivals along with the prior clan from The Best Years.
The Best Moments focuses on second chances, forgiveness and unconditional love. The sinners all had bad things happen to them. They are a tight family protecting each other.
To understand Layla a little better Elena takes a few steps back to her senior year in high school when she crushed hard on the first bad boy to break her heart. Hunter was the guy Layla accused of raping her in The Best Years. Oliver’s character takes one step forward and two steps back. His past crashes into the present. As an addict he’ll never be able to escape the temptation of the numbness the drugs allow.
Layla’s moved past being the innocent girl thanks to Oliver. Her new found sassiness and confidence is exciting. I loved Layla’s new version of herself. While I didn’t agree with her friendship with Hunter I appreciated how Elena stayed true to the theme of forgiveness.
The Best Moments if you can really refer to them as the best was a raw and intense read. Elena still balanced the other supporting characters quite well diving out the scenes accordingly. I really like the multiple points of view strategy. The execution of relaying scenes between school, parties, and hanging out kept a steady pace.
We get to see a different side of Layla and Oliver where Layla’s in more control with her new found confidence. Yet they both are confused about the jealousy that still stems from friendships with exes. Not to mention the secrets Oliver is still keeping from Layla.
Oliver plays a good game of push away. He rather push Layla away then watch her walk away. It’s the only control Oliver has left. These two play a mean game of push n’ pull.
Oliver’s just as unstable as before. This time he’s a ticking time bomb about the explode. With new obstacles creating havoc on his relationship with Layla who knows when he will snap.
Elenas writing style has improved immensely. She’s grown an artist keeping the flow if this book in a constant moving pattern with exciting reveals and unexpected twists and turns. The sex scenes are once again fabulous. So steamy, sex, and HAF.
Well I’m hooked. I’m not going to rest until I find out what happens between them again. These secrets get better and better. Did someone say plot twist?
The Best Moments focuses on second chances, forgiveness and unconditional love. The sinners all had bad things happen to them. They are a tight family protecting each other.
To understand Layla a little better Elena takes a few steps back to her senior year in high school when she crushed hard on the first bad boy to break her heart. Hunter was the guy Layla accused of raping her in The Best Years. Oliver’s character takes one step forward and two steps back. His past crashes into the present. As an addict he’ll never be able to escape the temptation of the numbness the drugs allow.
Layla’s moved past being the innocent girl thanks to Oliver. Her new found sassiness and confidence is exciting. I loved Layla’s new version of herself. While I didn’t agree with her friendship with Hunter I appreciated how Elena stayed true to the theme of forgiveness.
The Best Moments if you can really refer to them as the best was a raw and intense read. Elena still balanced the other supporting characters quite well diving out the scenes accordingly. I really like the multiple points of view strategy. The execution of relaying scenes between school, parties, and hanging out kept a steady pace.
We get to see a different side of Layla and Oliver where Layla’s in more control with her new found confidence. Yet they both are confused about the jealousy that still stems from friendships with exes. Not to mention the secrets Oliver is still keeping from Layla.
Oliver plays a good game of push away. He rather push Layla away then watch her walk away. It’s the only control Oliver has left. These two play a mean game of push n’ pull.
Oliver’s just as unstable as before. This time he’s a ticking time bomb about the explode. With new obstacles creating havoc on his relationship with Layla who knows when he will snap.
Elenas writing style has improved immensely. She’s grown an artist keeping the flow if this book in a constant moving pattern with exciting reveals and unexpected twists and turns. The sex scenes are once again fabulous. So steamy, sex, and HAF.
Well I’m hooked. I’m not going to rest until I find out what happens between them again. These secrets get better and better. Did someone say plot twist?
February 14, 2021
Secrets and Revelations at Amherst
This book picks up where the previous one had it strange ending.
Layla and Oliver are all loved up in this book, having coming through drama, after drama.
With one tiny problem...the drug habit Oliver is hiding from everyone,.
Well, until Caden decides to spill the tea to all the other Amherst Sinners when Oli, refuses to believe he has a problem.
So, now he has to kick his new habit, if only he could stop turning to his drug of choice every time he needs to “numb his pain”.
The only person not waste of his “problem” is Layla herself.
So a portion of the book revolves around him keeping his dirty little secret.
The other part of the story revolves around the arrival at Amherst, of Hunter.
Hunter, bad boy, drug dealer from her a high School, with family issues, believes Layla is the girl he needs to help him deal with his own f’d up life choices.
And.
He infiltrates her life, being manipulative, causing a wedge between her and Oliver...(Thank You Hunter)
All these secrets that Oliver is keeping eventually catch up with him in the end.
We this be the end for Oliver and Layla ( fingers crossed...Yeah, I like Hunter better)
In this book Layla’s Mother Theresa act continues as she’s all rainbows & unicorns, trying to resolve things with B, Hayley, Aspen, and Oliver and his father.
OMG. With everyone resolving their relationships, I was wondering what the next book would be about.
Fear not, for the author has a doozy of a reveal at the end.
For the life of me I can’t seem to warm up Layla.
She seem to have an obsession/ fascination with over analysing the group of Sinners.
Layla wants to know EVERYTHING about EVERYONE...
Then.
She can help put all their damaged lives back together.
She a real little fixer.
She relentlessly is having inner monologues with herself trying to figure everyone out.
Like this-
“I was still taking in all the information and processing it down into understanding. That’s all I ever wanted: to understand everyone.”
Why?
Why so fixated with this NEED to know all the secrets?
She’s a girl who is constantly watching and listening to conversations that are none of her business.
Partly, because she’s Oliver obsessed.
So.
If it wasn’t for HER I would be enjoying this series.
This book picks up where the previous one had it strange ending.
Layla and Oliver are all loved up in this book, having coming through drama, after drama.
With one tiny problem...the drug habit Oliver is hiding from everyone,.
Well, until Caden decides to spill the tea to all the other Amherst Sinners when Oli, refuses to believe he has a problem.
So, now he has to kick his new habit, if only he could stop turning to his drug of choice every time he needs to “numb his pain”.
The only person not waste of his “problem” is Layla herself.
So a portion of the book revolves around him keeping his dirty little secret.
The other part of the story revolves around the arrival at Amherst, of Hunter.
Hunter, bad boy, drug dealer from her a high School, with family issues, believes Layla is the girl he needs to help him deal with his own f’d up life choices.
And.
He infiltrates her life, being manipulative, causing a wedge between her and Oliver...(Thank You Hunter)
All these secrets that Oliver is keeping eventually catch up with him in the end.
We this be the end for Oliver and Layla ( fingers crossed...Yeah, I like Hunter better)
In this book Layla’s Mother Theresa act continues as she’s all rainbows & unicorns, trying to resolve things with B, Hayley, Aspen, and Oliver and his father.
OMG. With everyone resolving their relationships, I was wondering what the next book would be about.
Fear not, for the author has a doozy of a reveal at the end.
For the life of me I can’t seem to warm up Layla.
She seem to have an obsession/ fascination with over analysing the group of Sinners.
Layla wants to know EVERYTHING about EVERYONE...
Then.
She can help put all their damaged lives back together.
She a real little fixer.
She relentlessly is having inner monologues with herself trying to figure everyone out.
Like this-
“I was still taking in all the information and processing it down into understanding. That’s all I ever wanted: to understand everyone.”
Why?
Why so fixated with this NEED to know all the secrets?
She’s a girl who is constantly watching and listening to conversations that are none of her business.
Partly, because she’s Oliver obsessed.
So.
If it wasn’t for HER I would be enjoying this series.
August 19, 2020
Nooooooooo!!!!! I want to scream!!!!!!
Guys you have to check out Elena Monroe books they are just simply AMAZING!!! There is so much feeling behind her work. One thing you will notice if you read my reviews or see my top rated books is that I love deeply flawed characters and if they have mental health problems that right there is my Achilles heel.
Where to start? Ok I’m just going to start saying that I am so pissed at both the main characters, making mistake after mistake. I understand that when you are in your teens through almost late 20s you have ton of fails in both life and relationships there is no denying that and because of this I feel like I’m reliving my wonder years with this book 🤣 you see a lot of things like this in college.
We start this book with Oliver falling of the wagon with his drug addiction because he cannot handle Layla leaving for break and his feelings towards her, so he ends up hurting her. She goes off for winter break back to Florida and fools around with Hunter, here is a part I don’t understand, he raped her!! and now she is hookin up with him!!! what in the world??, I understand forgiving him and him seeing what happened differently than what she remembers but becoming friends with him is a NO for me, my god I like that she is getting more of a backbone but she sure is still naive, sometimes I just want to slap her 🤔 she is forgiving and that’s a good quality but I think she has to take her time to really go think things through to see how things not only affect her but others 😩😔
And Oliver that boy needs hardcore therapy well not just him all my Amherst Sinners do 🤣 I want to go hug each one telling them everything is going to be ok if they just tell the truth.
Bravo Elena! You make great characters and amazing plots.
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Guys you have to check out Elena Monroe books they are just simply AMAZING!!! There is so much feeling behind her work. One thing you will notice if you read my reviews or see my top rated books is that I love deeply flawed characters and if they have mental health problems that right there is my Achilles heel.
Where to start? Ok I’m just going to start saying that I am so pissed at both the main characters, making mistake after mistake. I understand that when you are in your teens through almost late 20s you have ton of fails in both life and relationships there is no denying that and because of this I feel like I’m reliving my wonder years with this book 🤣 you see a lot of things like this in college.
We start this book with Oliver falling of the wagon with his drug addiction because he cannot handle Layla leaving for break and his feelings towards her, so he ends up hurting her. She goes off for winter break back to Florida and fools around with Hunter, here is a part I don’t understand, he raped her!! and now she is hookin up with him!!! what in the world??, I understand forgiving him and him seeing what happened differently than what she remembers but becoming friends with him is a NO for me, my god I like that she is getting more of a backbone but she sure is still naive, sometimes I just want to slap her 🤔 she is forgiving and that’s a good quality but I think she has to take her time to really go think things through to see how things not only affect her but others 😩😔
And Oliver that boy needs hardcore therapy well not just him all my Amherst Sinners do 🤣 I want to go hug each one telling them everything is going to be ok if they just tell the truth.
Bravo Elena! You make great characters and amazing plots.
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 3, 2020
First, I want to mention that this book broke my heart in all the right ways and then put it back together!!!
I cried, oh boy did I cry reading this one, Oliver is my perfect dove and I loved him all throughout the book, although I did want to slap him awake sometimes and I did want to hug other times.
In this one, we got to meet the Sinner in a more in-depth way, we got to meet them at their lowest and as a family, how they made each other stronger but sometimes weaker at the same time, how they were essentials in each other's lives and how they were all part of a bigger picture they didn't yet see.
I hated Hunter and I loved him all at once, he was an asshole but a caring one, weird right ???
he kind of grew on me as the time passed by, I loved Layla like always and I did think at some point she was just being stupid but then we remember it's the critical part of growing up and finding yourself, Caden has a special place in my heart and so does Aspen.
Overall I wa amazed yet again by the book and I would definitely recommend it.
I cried, oh boy did I cry reading this one, Oliver is my perfect dove and I loved him all throughout the book, although I did want to slap him awake sometimes and I did want to hug other times.
In this one, we got to meet the Sinner in a more in-depth way, we got to meet them at their lowest and as a family, how they made each other stronger but sometimes weaker at the same time, how they were essentials in each other's lives and how they were all part of a bigger picture they didn't yet see.
I hated Hunter and I loved him all at once, he was an asshole but a caring one, weird right ???
he kind of grew on me as the time passed by, I loved Layla like always and I did think at some point she was just being stupid but then we remember it's the critical part of growing up and finding yourself, Caden has a special place in my heart and so does Aspen.
Overall I wa amazed yet again by the book and I would definitely recommend it.
September 20, 2020
What a great sequel!
I have to admit i read and felt more connected to this book than i did the first, I'm not sure if it's because i already knew the characters and what their like but i got on with them better.
I didn't agree with every single choice they made but hey i wasn't in that situation myself so i can't judge ;)
The secrets and the drama have you feeling so many emotions ranging from happiness, sadness and a butt load of anger.
Oliver and Layla still have their problems and have alot to face but i believe they are strong enough to pull through.
The ups and downs face in this book puts a real test on anyone but it shows what strengths you have when you didn't think you was strong enough.
Elena Monroe really wrote this book so well and is really making a great impact on my emotions.
I have to admit i read and felt more connected to this book than i did the first, I'm not sure if it's because i already knew the characters and what their like but i got on with them better.
I didn't agree with every single choice they made but hey i wasn't in that situation myself so i can't judge ;)
The secrets and the drama have you feeling so many emotions ranging from happiness, sadness and a butt load of anger.
Oliver and Layla still have their problems and have alot to face but i believe they are strong enough to pull through.
The ups and downs face in this book puts a real test on anyone but it shows what strengths you have when you didn't think you was strong enough.
Elena Monroe really wrote this book so well and is really making a great impact on my emotions.
October 11, 2020
I actually enjoyed this one more than the first! The ending drew me in, and now I know I need to read book 3 to find out what on earth went down in the story of Amherst Sinners!
My heart truly goes out to Layla, she is such an innocent in all of this, and does not deserve the constant heartache and confusion. I'm a little overwhelmed with the thought of her forgiving Hunter, I don't think I was ready for that and neither was she. It was a ploy to drive Oliver insane with both guilt and jealousy, and boy did it work!
I'm intrigued by Hayley...I need more on her I think. She is someone to keep an eye on!
My heart truly goes out to Layla, she is such an innocent in all of this, and does not deserve the constant heartache and confusion. I'm a little overwhelmed with the thought of her forgiving Hunter, I don't think I was ready for that and neither was she. It was a ploy to drive Oliver insane with both guilt and jealousy, and boy did it work!
I'm intrigued by Hayley...I need more on her I think. She is someone to keep an eye on!
October 13, 2020
Talk about a wild ride! This book played on every emotion known to man. It was chaos in the best way. I love
Layla and her new found strength. Her confidence and ability to take what she wants. But even with that strength, there’s vulnerability and disaster.
Oliver is anything but put together. He may love Layla and Layla may love him, but Oliver is lost is a sea of pain and insecurity. Drown himself deeper and deeper.
This book was a rollercoaster of wild emotions, chaos, vulnerability and deceit.
I can’t wait to see what happens next! I’m way to invested and I’m not even remotely sorry.
Layla and her new found strength. Her confidence and ability to take what she wants. But even with that strength, there’s vulnerability and disaster.
Oliver is anything but put together. He may love Layla and Layla may love him, but Oliver is lost is a sea of pain and insecurity. Drown himself deeper and deeper.
This book was a rollercoaster of wild emotions, chaos, vulnerability and deceit.
I can’t wait to see what happens next! I’m way to invested and I’m not even remotely sorry.
April 21, 2020
I'm not gonna do an all revue because I didn't finish it, but I just can't enjoy the story so I stoped. I HATE to do that and only did it for 2 books before this one. I really tried, but it's exhausting. I went throughout the first half and didn't like it. I don't think the series is bad, really, I just didn't enjoy reading it. :/
January 2, 2021
The ending brought me to my knees!
I was so excited to to read this book after the first one was so explosive. It dragged in the middle but the beginning and end were everything! The character development was fantastic and I love how Layla grew into herself. I think the last book will be even better!
I was so excited to to read this book after the first one was so explosive. It dragged in the middle but the beginning and end were everything! The character development was fantastic and I love how Layla grew into herself. I think the last book will be even better!
July 8, 2020
DNF 12%
November 18, 2019
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book was definitely worth the wait. I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope there’s another book to come.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book was definitely worth the wait. I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope there’s another book to come.
September 4, 2019
I read the first book in this series and I will admit I went into it thinking I wasn't going to enjoy it at all, but then Elena Monroe just had to blow my mind and keep me wanting more.
This story is totally not my normal college romance read. It's a little darker and twisted than I thought I would enjoy but it was great.
Book two starts exactly where book 2 leaves off which I love because then I don't feel like I'm missing pieces of the story line.
Oliver is slipping into his past once again and will do anything to keep Layla from finding out while he gets out of it his way. But when Hunter - the one who assisted Layla - ends up on Oliver's campus, he figures out Oliver's secret. Trying to win Layla over he slips her a different piece of a secret which Oliver knows nothing about, but in turn gives way to what he's been doing behind her back. Then----total cliffhanger!!! But omg I want to know what happens!!
Book two is just like book one, filled with college drama, secrets, love and sexual tension you can just feel it in your seat.
You may wonder why I've only given the series a 4⭐️ rating. Well I have it a 4⭐️ rating because while both books were great and get me on edge and wanting more, I feel like the characters personalities or the way the author portrays them jumps constantly. For instance with Layla: One minute she's this sweet total naive innocent girl who you can't help but love and then she's a nosey annoying girl you want to roll your eyes at. And the whole situation with her and Hunter, the way the author describes what went down between them doesn't make me think of Hunter as a bad guy (totally trying not to give away to any spoilers), but a guy who a girl is wanting to blame for her no longer being innocent when she was willing.
But overall, it's been a great series so far and I can't wait to see what happens next with how Book two ended! Shite is about to go down that's for sure!!!
This story is totally not my normal college romance read. It's a little darker and twisted than I thought I would enjoy but it was great.
Book two starts exactly where book 2 leaves off which I love because then I don't feel like I'm missing pieces of the story line.
Oliver is slipping into his past once again and will do anything to keep Layla from finding out while he gets out of it his way. But when Hunter - the one who assisted Layla - ends up on Oliver's campus, he figures out Oliver's secret. Trying to win Layla over he slips her a different piece of a secret which Oliver knows nothing about, but in turn gives way to what he's been doing behind her back. Then----total cliffhanger!!! But omg I want to know what happens!!
Book two is just like book one, filled with college drama, secrets, love and sexual tension you can just feel it in your seat.
You may wonder why I've only given the series a 4⭐️ rating. Well I have it a 4⭐️ rating because while both books were great and get me on edge and wanting more, I feel like the characters personalities or the way the author portrays them jumps constantly. For instance with Layla: One minute she's this sweet total naive innocent girl who you can't help but love and then she's a nosey annoying girl you want to roll your eyes at. And the whole situation with her and Hunter, the way the author describes what went down between them doesn't make me think of Hunter as a bad guy (totally trying not to give away to any spoilers), but a guy who a girl is wanting to blame for her no longer being innocent when she was willing.
But overall, it's been a great series so far and I can't wait to see what happens next with how Book two ended! Shite is about to go down that's for sure!!!
September 10, 2019
I am loving this trilogy and cannot get enough of this story. It’s detailed, original and so consuming. I’m obsessed with everything Ollie and Layla.
After the cliffhanger in book one I couldn’t wait to start this and we start right where we left off. Ollie is struggling to deal with Layla leaving for two months and realising that his feelings are deep and that he can’t cope without her. Layla has her reservations about leaving Ollie but needs to go back home.
This leaves him spiraling out of control and seeking the use of drugs again. Elena’s writing
with Ollie really captured the addict that he is, he though he had his drug problem under control and was dealing with it, but in reality he wasn’t at all.
There’s lots going in this book to keep your attention with lots of secrets and lies. The angst was killing me at points, especially in the beginning, I had to put the book down a few times and silently scream to myself!
Although I like Ollie’s character, I didn’t really understand his big issue with Layla going away and how he handled it was a bit immature.
What I really didn’t like, was Hunter. I didn’t understand why Layla would encourage him especially everything she went through with him in the last book. He was so smug and I wanted to punch his face a few times.
Overall this was a great consuming read and I’m now dying for the final book to see where the story goes after the pretty big bombshell at the end.
*An ARC received for an honest review*
____________________
Overall Ratings;
First Sex Scene @ 36%
POV - Duel
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After the cliffhanger in book one I couldn’t wait to start this and we start right where we left off. Ollie is struggling to deal with Layla leaving for two months and realising that his feelings are deep and that he can’t cope without her. Layla has her reservations about leaving Ollie but needs to go back home.
This leaves him spiraling out of control and seeking the use of drugs again. Elena’s writing
with Ollie really captured the addict that he is, he though he had his drug problem under control and was dealing with it, but in reality he wasn’t at all.
There’s lots going in this book to keep your attention with lots of secrets and lies. The angst was killing me at points, especially in the beginning, I had to put the book down a few times and silently scream to myself!
Although I like Ollie’s character, I didn’t really understand his big issue with Layla going away and how he handled it was a bit immature.
What I really didn’t like, was Hunter. I didn’t understand why Layla would encourage him especially everything she went through with him in the last book. He was so smug and I wanted to punch his face a few times.
Overall this was a great consuming read and I’m now dying for the final book to see where the story goes after the pretty big bombshell at the end.
*An ARC received for an honest review*
____________________
Overall Ratings;
First Sex Scene @ 36%
POV - Duel
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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