ARC Review: Hooked on Trouble by Kelly Siskind

Hooked on Trouble

Author: Kelly Siskind
Publisher: Forever Yours
Series: Over the Top #3
Pages: Paperback, 336 pages
Genre: New Adult
Release Date: January 10th 2017

Summary:

Reality bites. Hard.

The last time Raven did “real” was sixteen months ago, when she spent one unforgettable night with the tattooed, impossibly sexy Nico, and then he disappeared the next day. Since then, she’s kept her guard up and her feelings to herself. She doesn’t have time for relationship drama when she’s busy searching for her long lost sister.

Nico hasn’t stopped thinking about Raven—her sultry curves, inked skin, and the fact that he ditched her after their night together. Now that they’re living in the same city, he knows this is his chance to make things right. What better way to prove to Raven he’s for real than helping her find her sister? But when the lines between right and wrong start to blur, putting his job on the line, Nico has to decide if the risk is worth the ultimate reward.

Review:

A fabulous ending to the series, in fact this is my favorite book of it.
I liked Raven right from book one. Her edgy ways, but also her tell it as it is, yet her loyalty were all reasons, I was looking forward to her book for.
And there there was big, dark, broody, handsome Nico... I kept wondering what really happened between them, another reason I was kinda desperate to get my hands on the book
And let's just say, when that was revealed I was a tad.. well... underwhelmed? I thought, is Raven for real? That was her reason???
But I got quickly distracted by wooing Nico, because, damn, wooing Nico is my favorite thing in the series, hands down.
The plot actually took a turn to much more serious topics. I kinda expected lots of cute & fluffy. And don't misunderstand me there is plenty of that. And it perfect and adorable and smoldering- well everything one wants (aka I want) from cute & fluffy. Totally swoony moments.
But Siskind dug deeper and somehow we discover Raven's secrets, her past, things that shape and formed her. The same for Nico. We see them overcome hurdles for each other. I totally and utterly fell for them. It's a really beautiful story, with all it's ugly past and everything. Siskind got it absolutely right.

The character building is what makes this shine. I could relate to both of them, I felt with them, understood them and their growth felt realistic and real. Add to that a great support cast, we got to know and love in the previous book, and it's a pleasure to read.

My only little issue? The epilogue.. And I got to say, don't ask me why. It was too *whispers* soppy for me. Now don't ask me why. It just didn't fly my boat. Though I found it amusing in some parts. Just wasn't my cup of tea.

So a brilliant ending to a wonderful series, Aa wonderful story about two people finding each other and growing together, oh let's not forget and lots of swoony, hotilicious Nico makes this a must read.


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ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review: A Fine Mess by Kelly Siskind

A Fine Mess

Author: Kelly Siskind
Publisher: Forever Yours
Series: Over the Top #2
Pages: Paperback, 340 pages
Genre: New Adult
Release Date: August 2nd 2016

Summary:

Some guys should come with a warning label . . .

Sawyer West is Mr. One-Night Stand. He doesn't do relationships or promises or feelings. He's never cared enough to get involved. Until Lily Roberts. She's sweet and shy and sexy as sin, and resisting her is testing his self-control. She believes Sawyer can be a better man, and for the first time in his life, he wants to be. But change isn't easy, and Sawyer would do anything to protect Lily from his past self. Even break his own heart . . .

Review:

Siskind has written herself into my heart with her previous books especially with Chasing Crazy . She has made it on my HAVE to read lists of authors, basically I will read anything of hers I get my hands on.
A Fine Mess just reinforced that status. I love Siskind's writing style and AFM delivered just exactly what I like. Great humor, insight and perfect amount of sizzling. Just like always.

The storyline is sweet and quite realistic- at least most of the time. And while the romance is super cute and fluffy- and sorta what one expects, there are some heavier issues underlying this one, which Siskind tackled brilliantly and gave the book an interesting depth.

The characters of this one, had me at times exasberated. Because let's face it, Lily and I have not much in common. I would have never been in her situation. In fact I found it annoying in the first book, which made me worry about this book a wee bit, let me assure you I had no reason for it. I just can't relate to not changing your situation, just hanging in there because you wanna be..nice? And here comes Siskinds brilliant writing in- I did get why Lily did it.
In fact I loved her relationship with her ex at the end. The same goes for Lily secret, don't think that would ever happen to me.. but I completely understood her, I love how she tried to overcome her issues- simply put, while Lily has very little in common with me, I could identify with her, feel like I know her and most importantly I really like her.
Sawyer, annoying as he was at times- I mean what more did he want? Felt like hitting him with a sign that said you blind idiot a few times- he is also witty and totally cool. I liked him in My Perfect Mistake and now I simply adore him.
Their relationship goes from attraction to flirty friendship to insta-lust combustion to believable couple. There are moments I found a bit unrealistic (beach story thingy) but there are so many funny and swoony moments I just gobbled up. One of my favorite things is their design collaboration. I absolutely love the way they work together, support and inspire each other.
I love the support cast, Siskind managed to give me more insight into characters we met in the previous book.
So clearly I loved the character building. I think while the storyline is cute and all, the character building is what makes this a great read.

Now all I can do is wait for Siskind's next book, I guess. But let me tell you I CAN NOT get my hands fast enough on Raven's book. She was my favorite character in My Favorite Mistake and I just know it's going to be another good one.
Until then.. if you haven't yet...
Read A Fine Mess!


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