Miniviews #15: Scratch & Stay With Me

Scratch by Rhonda Helms

Publisher: Kensington

Publication Date: September 30th, 2014

Pages: 240

Source: Netgalley/Publisher

Rating: 2.5/5

Add to Goodreads

I read this book right before I went away a few weeks ago and made the mistake of not reviewing it right away. Because now details are fuzzy. That also doesn't sit well with the book, though, it's clearly easily forgettable. There really wasn't anything that stands out and makes it a wholly original read. I remember requesting Scratch off of Netgalley because the summary makes it sound like music will play a big part in the MC's life and her healing process. Music and her DJ'ing is mentioned and appears in some scenes. It is not nearly as prominent as I was expecting. Casey is a senior in college. It's taken a lot for her to get there. Her past has made it hard for her to trust people as well as just feeling like she belongs. She uses music as a way to unwind and lose herself. Until Daniel pushes himself into her life. Daniel is charming, sweet and hot. So why is he looking at her? Why does he want to get to know her? Daniel is doing something that Casey hasn't allowed in years; he's getting to know her. There's still a lot Casey is holding back from Daniel. He knows something very traumatic happened to her, there're scars, both physical and mental, but she's holding back. Keeping her secrets. This is what really frustrates me. I can understand to an extent Casey not wanting to lay out her past for Daniel right away. But once she can see he's serious about her and she knows how big her feelings are for him it's time to spill. I hate when characters have unnecessary secrets. There's always going to be bumps in the road. But if you want a relationship to move forward you can't keep your past from your partner. Casey was just acting way too scared about moving forward with her life. Even taking Daniel out of the equation, Casey just hasn't opened up to anyone. And it's obvious it was taking its toll.
I didn't hate Scratch, it was alright. And being such a short book I flew through it. There's just nothing original about it. Everything was just alright. Alright, story, alright characters, alright writing. If you're looking for a fast decent NA read, a book to get through in a few hours one night, then Scratch would do that job.

Stay With Me by J.Lynn

Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: September 23rd, 2014

Pages: 448

Series: Wait For You #3

Source: Purchased

Rating: 5/5

Add to Goodreads

This should really come as no surprise. I effing loved Stay With Me. JLA is my queen. My dealer. My everything. Honestly, how this woman publishes a book a month and can still write pure gold like this flabbergasts me. There was not a single thing, nothing at all that was not perfect in this book. And guys, you need to meet Jax. Good God does JLA know how to write fictional men. If anyone has given me unrealistic expectations about men and love, it's her. My fictional boyfriends always have this big fight over the top position when I first meet a new JLA guy. But there is no kidding around with Jax. He's given Cam and Roth a real punch in the swoon.

So we got a glimpse of Calla in Be With Me and I were definitely excited to know she was getting her own book. Calla has herself on a strict schedule and timeline. The big one finishes school and get a good job. She keeps a tight budget. It seems like she's got her life figured out. The scars on her face and body(which of course are hidden) are what keeps her from really living her life. Her friends tell her she's beautiful but she can't believe it. It holds her back from pursuing boys and having a real social life. When her deadbeat mother cleans out her bank account and she finds herself having to head back to her hometown to get the money back and deal with her mother live really gets turned on its axis.
Calla heads right over to her mother's bar and this is where we are introduced to Jax. *sigh* There is an instant attraction. Jax sees her for herself. He doesn't play games. Doesn't bullshit her. He's right in her case, in her ear, telling her she's beautiful. She needs to stop putting herself down because of a scar. She isn't her past or her scars. Calla was a bit naive. At twenty-one, she's never been in a relationship, never been kissed. But what I loved is she asks for help. Because of the situation she finds herself in, her life is in danger. And when she's threatened rather than thinking she can handle it herself she tells Jax right away. Way to go, Calla. It doesn't matter how strong a person you are when your life is in danger people need to be in the know.
I love Jax and Calla together. They're super adorable and intense. Jax is so patient with her. The guy is just hot. As an ex-marine, he can be a little manly if you know what I mean. But he never is overbearing. Jax is just such a nice guy. Upfront and no BS pretty much makes him beyond perfect. And very fictional.
I'm already planning my re-read of Stay With Me. Again, being a JLA book that shouldn't be a shocker.

Happy reading!

Brittany