Miniviews #16: Echos of Scotland Street & Clipped Wings

Echos of Scotland Street by Samantha Young

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publication Date: October 7th, 2014

Pages: 336

Series: On Dublin Street #5

Source: Purchased

Rating: 4.5/5

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Echos of Scotland Street was a very highly anticipated book for me. Cole Walker is all grown up. And guys, Cole grew up. Out of Young's men he really gave Nate a run. It's one thing that I'm overly obsessed with inked up guys these days, so already Cole had my interest. He's working at a tattoo parlor too. But his personality was just the icing on the cake. Cole is just a good guy. Nice to the core. Just a stand up guy, doesn't play games. And isn't a liar. *fans shelf* As soon as, Shannon enters his life he's a goner. Even though she doesn't deserve him, to begin with anyhow. Shannon is our MC. I really liked her voice. There was a couple of times I wanted to tape her mouth shut. She had a tendency to judge a book by its cover, especially with, Cole. But I got why she did. She's a very broken girl. Shannon has just run away from an abusive relationship. Her family are awful and have blamed her for finding herself in that situation and also because her brother beat her ex to a pulp which landed him in jail. Totally, Shannon's fault. Right... So obviously, Shannon had a lot of inner turmoil and trust to work through.
Like I said, she immediately judged, Cole based on his ink and where he works. Sure, Cole came on a little strong. But he was nothing but genuine and nice to her. And as anybody that's read this series knows that, Cole had an extremely hard and difficult upbringing. So when, Shannon throws some harsh, undeserved words his way he backs off. After being told that she was unfair with him, I like how hard she worked to gain his trust again. Their relationship was super cute. Sure, Shannon unnecessarily kept some secrets to herself, which made, Cole take a step back. But you know what, I really enjoyed how they worked through their relationship. Shannon just needed somebody good in her life and Cole was it. It was heartwarming to see how he just believed in her. Encouraged her where nobody else ever had. And by finding, Cole in her life she gained a new family with all of Cole's extended family and his awesome friends.
Cole and Shannon don't beat Nate and Liv for my favourite couple. But there are definitely a close second. They were just adorable. 

Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: March 4th, 2014

Pages: 391

Series: Clipped Wings #1

Source: Purchased

Rating: 4.5/5

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What a freakin' surprise, Clipped Wings was. I obviously don't pick a book up thinking I'm going to hate it. But I'm also weary going into a NA book. So many of them are just the same story regurgitated under a different title. Clipped Wings may have the basics to sound like 90% of the romance books out there but at its core is totally unique. Hayden is one of the romance tropes I'm totally loving and fallen all over this year; inked up "bad boy" working at a tattoo parlor. Mmmmm.... As soon as Hayden's eyes land on, Tenley there's an instant attraction. But it's not as easy as that. Tenley is working across the street from Hayden at his aunts book shop. So he's making excuses to drop by everyday, but, Tenley is having none of that. It's not that she doesn't find, Hayden hot. It's that her past is stopping her from pursuing him. She's timid and scared. And, Hayden's appearance is not the most welcoming. Of course their attraction for each other can't be kept under wraps. Once, Tenley realizes she can't keep herself from, Hayden she wants to get right into his pants. But, Hayden is hesitant to go to fast with her. He doesn't want to scare her off. He's quickly finding that he's forming a very solid and intense bond with her. One that will destroy him to lose. 

I totally fell in love with these guys. Hayden's past escapades don't really paint him in a positive light, but it's clear that he has tried really hard to change. Even before he met, Tenley he was leading a better lifestyle. Although he's demons aren't all at bay. Tenley's recent past is extremely heartbreaking. She lost everybody she loved and blames herself for living through it when they didn't. It's obvious why she's hesitant to let herself open up to, Hayden. Not only is she scared to lose him too, but she's also scared about letting him into her secrets. She's sure that will send him running the other way. I do hate when there's a lack of communication in a relationship. If you can't open up about your past to your partner because you're afraid they'll do a runner, than you probably shouldn't be in a relationship. BUT I don't feel like, Hayden and, Tenley's communication was lacking, I got the feeling that, Tenley would have told Hayden about everything. She just had to work up to it. It was a lot to lay out to him. She had to be ready, but she also needed to make sure, Hayden was going to be around for the long term. It made sense to me. They both had a lot to work through. Battle through their demons. Sure a relationship might hinder your personal progress, but I felt that, Hayden and, Tenley really could help each other out. Once all the shit was out in the open and their was complete trust, they were only good for each other.
I'm now pushing, Clipped Wings on all my NA/romance reader friends. It's a total gem. But I'm also warning everyone to have the second book ready to go. You're going to have to jump right in.

Happy reading!

Brittany