Book Review: When it Rains

Title: When it Rains

Author: Lisa De Jong 

Rating: 5/5 ★★★★★

I have a short review on Lisa De Jong's, When it Rains. I didn't want to get into too much detail because I don't want to give too much of this wonderful story away for those who have not read it. Sometimes, I need a break from all the smut and I like to torture myself with a good”ugly cry" book. We all know what an ugly cry book is, reading a book that just makes the tears flow, snot dripping everywhere and heavy breathing. (Think Kim Kardashian haha.) 

Well I knew from Goodreads and some of my book friends on Instagram that this book would do just that. And it did. I was a mess after finishing this book in one sitting. It was an emotional ride. It was an amazing, well written story. 

When it rains is about a beautiful nineteen year old girl, Kate Alexander. Two years ago, a tragedy happened to Kate on a rainy night which left her a broken, empty shell of who she once was. Despite what she's been through, Kate is so brave throughout the story and I really enjoyed her. She never told anyone her secret, not even her best friend, Beau Bennett. Kate and Beau have been best friends for years and Kate always had feelings for Beau, but after that terrible night, nothing was the same for her. So when Beau lets her in on a secret of his own before he heads off to college, Kate pushes Beau away because she feels he deserves better. 

After Beau leaves for school, Kate is feeling even more alone so she keeps herself busy at work. This is where she meets Asher Hunt, the mysterious new guy that keeps showing up at the diner. Kate feels something different with Asher then what she’s felt with Beau. With Asher's help, Kate starts to open up and begins to take back her life. But, Asher has secrets of his own, that will change Kate's life once again. 

Kate and Asher's relationship was so beautiful and I loved every minute of it. They helped heal one another. The ending was so hard for me! Ugh I cried and cried some more. My eyes were nice and puffy by the time I closed this book. Even with all the tears, there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel, with a hea. Some parts of me wished this story ended differently, but then there's another part that thinks it ended the way it should have. I'm still torn but either way this story crushed me and made me feel all types of emotions. This was definitely a five star story that will stick with me forever.  

Book Review: Degradation

Title: Degradation

Author: Stylo Fantôme

Rating: 5/5★★★★★

When I first saw this book, Degradation on Goodreads a few months back, I was instantly drawn in from the sexy cover. Then I read the synopsis, and knew I needed it! It wasn't set to release for another few months which was a major disappointment. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I was in the middle of a major book funk. Nothing excited me or kept my interest and I couldn't figure out why. I was in the middle of at least three books all different from each other but I just could not finish them. As I was scrolling through my to-read list on Goodreads, that red cover and that girl with hypnotizing eyes caught my attention yet again. I purchased this bad boy and began reading right away and was sucked in from the start. Let me start off by saying, damn! This book is 🔥 H.O.T!! It's very different from other novels I've been reading. 

It's about Tatum "Tate" O'shea, a rich, naive eighteen year old on her way to Harvard who's world is turned upside down after one unforgettable night with the arrogant, cocky, sexy as hell (drum roll please) Jameson Kane. After that night Tatum's life changed drastically, but seven years later the new and improved Tate is sexy, feisty, independent and strong minded. After an unexpected run in with Jameson, it's clear after all those years that strong attraction is still there. She still can't resist his piercing blue eyes and devilish ways, and neither could I! 

Obviously we all know what comes next, sex! And lots of it! But their unconventional relationship unfolds with mind games in and out of the bedroom. Jameson aka Satan, is a wicked, dirty mouthed, alpha who gets off on degrading (hence the title) Tatum. No worries though, everything between the two is consensual. In fact, the kinky girl she is, Tate craves it just as much as Jameson does and provokes it throughout the book. This sadomasochistic relationship was twisted, raunchy, awesome and extremely entertaining to read. There were moments of sweetness between the two, which was some of my favorite moments. Stylo's writing was fantastic and pulled me in from the start and I'm not even a big fan of third person point of view. Not only was Jameson and Tatum characters beautifully written, but the supporting characters, Ang and Sanders, were as well.

Ang is Tatum's hot, overprotective best friend/ fuck buddy. Oh yeah, he also does porn! He's not a big fan of "Satan" you sense some jealousy towards Jameson, but he loves Tate and wants her to be happy. Then there's Sanders. Oh Sanders, where do we start? Well first off he is Jameson's emotionally detached personal assistant and it seems they're all each other have. You get a sense of how much they care for one another. Tatum and Sanders become good friends, despite him being a man a few words. I love their relationship. Actually Sanders was my favorite character. I'm so intrigued by him and his "icy glare". He's so mysterious; I need to know more about him! Hopefully in the next books (crosses fingers).

 

The ending had me losing my damn mind yelling, "What the fuck!" Jameson's last "game" was just cruel. I felt bad for Tatum. Those last few chapters were a little uncomfortable to read because I wasn't sure what would happen next! That cliffhanger though?! Ughh!! Thank god Separation, book two in the Kane trilogy releases September 22nd! 
I think Stylo Fantôme's Degradation was an amazing debut!  

Until I figure things out, I'm going to share some of my favorite go-to book boyfriends. Chris amd Liam Hemsworth and Tom Hardy ( Happy Birthday Tom!) Theo James and Charlie Hunnam are just few of my faves. Enjoy!