Madness Has Moved!

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If you are seeing this, I am so sorry that I hadn't informed you about our move. 

We have restarted Madness with a new name on a new site.

Here is where you can find the new Madness

Untouchable - Sam Mariano

Book: Untouchable

Author: Sam Mariano

Publish Date: December 16th, 2018

Where to Find: Amazon

Description: Zoey is a quiet girl that stands up for herself when a football player--Jake-- assaults her. She never imagined that standing up for herself would put her in such a predicament. Zoey thought that Jake would leave her alone like he was told to. What she didn't expect is he and two of his friends cornering her to threaten her, telling her that she needs to watch her back for creating issues.

Carter, Jake's friend and star quarterback, finds Zoey intriguing and sets out to be her nightmare. He strips away her freedom to stand up for herself and involves her into his life. Zoey goes from the "low-life" of the school to someone at the popular table where girls aren't allowed.

Verdict: This was definitely a dark book. I love the fact that Mariano created Carter the way she did. Sure, most people aren't going to enjoy it or think it's right. (I'm not saying it is right, either..but..) Carter's mindset isn't uncommon. There are people out there like Carter, and to me, made for an interesting read. This is something a lot of people don't talk about or write about. Romance isn't all roses and chocolates. 

Mariano did a great jobs of creating characters that worked well together and could balance each other out. Zoey and Carter went well together. While I think Zoey was a little too timid and forgiving, I can understand why. She's an outcast and shunned by her school. Not only that, but she also was so intrigued by Carter's issues that she tried to get to the bottom of why he was the way he was.

The situations Zoey found herself in are real situations. The emotions were real. The torment, the wondering, the guilt.

Overall Verdict: The overall story was amazing. Guy does girl wrong, girl forgives him. There was a lot of dark turn of events throughout it, but the writing was solid. The characters were beyond every day understanding, and I enjoyed that. 

Recommendation: If you decide to read this, there are trigger warnings. This is a dark romance, and the author clearly states that. If dark romance is not your thing, or even something you can read, skip this book. If you can handle triggers and read between the lines, I would recommend this. 

Rate: 4/5

Cruel Boy - Clarissa Wild

Book: Cruel Boy

Author: Clarissa Wild

Publisher: September 26, 2019

Publish Date:

In the ocean, Sam Cook snaps pictures of creatures under the surface. That’s not all she saw that day. She can’t tell anyone what she saw nor can she decipher if she caught the full truth. Sam is the quiet girl in her grade with just one friend, Mo. Not even Mo knows what Sam saw that day. She can’t tell anyone and she can’t be involved without knowing the truth. Sam knows she went unnoticed. 

Only she was wrong. Someone saw her in the ocean that day. 

Nate Wilson is the most popular guy in school, football quarterback paired up with the meanest girl in school, Layla. Every girl wants Nate even though he is the school’s biggest heartbreaker. Even though he shouldn’t, he has his eyes set on Sam. He promises to break her, to make her do what he wants. She has something he wants and he won’t stop until he gets it. 

Wild built her characters and the story-line with great detail. There were a lot of feelings flowing through the pages; fear, anger, excitement, betrayal, second guessing, and much more. The interactions between Sam and Nate were flirtatious and sometimes dangerous. At certain points, the story almost reminded me of 13 Reasons Why but was its own entity. 

Wild did a great job with making her characters complex—especially Nate. Everyone had their opinion on him and thought they knew the truth, but there was so much more to the bad boy of the story. Sam wasn’t a weak willed character, she stood her ground and fought for what she believed in. When things got tough, she didn’t depend on a different character to pull her out of the mess. The heat in this book wasn’t overbearing but was still there when Nate and Sam were together. The duo of Sam and Nate complimented each other in a lot of aspects and it was wonderful. Wild kept things consistent and tidy.

Verdict: Cruel Boy was an enticing read. The characters were well built and displayed. They broke a lot of stereotypes and did things that weren’t expected given they were in high school. There was enough suspense to create the need to keep the pages turning. This story was interesting and attention grabbing from start to end and I loved the relationship between the two main characters. The bad boy was just the right amount of dangerous, if not a little more than expected, and was handled well by the heroine. The ending was more than I anticipated. Part of the ending was hinted throughout the story but not fully given away and it was enough to keep the suspense there. 

Rate: 4.5/5

Sunset Beach Series - McKayla Box

 Book: Fall (Sunset Beach High, #1)

Author: McKayla Box

Publisher:

Publish Date: July 30, 2019

Presley is the new girl, starting fresh in Sunset Beach, after her father moved them away for his new client. At her previous school, Presley was a mousy girl that took everyone's bullying. With her new start, she makes a promise to herself to start over fresh and never roll over when threatened. Presley does just that when she is confronted by three of the hottest guys at her new school on the beach the day before school starts. Presley's father all but throws her to the wolves by offering up one of his associates daughter, Bridget. 

Presley is more than happy when Bridget and her start a friendship and add in Maddie and Gina. During her first day, she is happy to think she will be okay at her new school, with her new friends until Trevor walks in the doors of their choice of off-campus lunch spots.

Trevor, "The Asshole," from the beach walks in like he owns the place. To him, and just about everyone else, he does run the place. He's untouchable. He's also used to getting what he wants. When he sets his sight on Presley, she's quick to tell him off but he's quick to tell her that he gets everything he wants and he is very territorial.

Like every high school story, there are enemies to be made and lines to be crossed.

This story was beautiful. It was empowering to watch Presley grow a pair and stick it to anyone that got in her way. Her relationship with Trevor was realistic, raw, and down-right hilarious at moments. Box did a wonderful job at taking this relationship between Presley and Trevor--as well as every other relationship Presley had with the other characters--and developing them with ease. 

Box touched on a lot of issues that people go through in high school; mean girls, cocky jocks that won't take no for an answer, and betrayal. All of the characters were well built and the story-line never lost it's fire. 

Verdict: This book was very interesting with great relationships and a lot of drama. There was a lot of heat between the two main characters. I would recommend this to high school students and young adults. There was a little bit of sexual material but hardly enough to be moved to an adult reading audience. I read this book in a single sitting. The author did a great job at developing the characters and their relationships.

Rate: 4/5

Book: Winter (Sunset Beach High, #2)

Author: McKayla Box

Publisher: 

Publish Date: August 13, 2019

Presley is no longer considered the new girl. She has her friends and she is with Trevor. Things are starting to shape up until Trevor's ex girlfriend, Athena, appears from the woodworks. With Trevor being distant and his friends covering for him, Presley isn't sure what to do. Of course, she gives him the benefit of the doubt...which is something Trevor can't give her when a life-altering video is published. 

Just when everything seems to be going good, Presley gains a new enemy. Relationships are put to a test and once again, lines are crossed. Presley knows the truth and no one wants to hear her out.

Box did it once again with writing something so powerful and enticing that the pages kept turning. In the second book in the Sunset Beach series, things are starting to heat up, causing the pot to simmer with Presley in it. Box depicted issues in this book realistically and showed the emotion that comes with those issues. 

Verdict: This book was good but it lost a little bit of the heat between our two main characters. There is a lot of drama throughout this book but there was enough detail and suspense to keep the story interesting. When things get tough, no one listens to the main character and they all walk away without a second glance. I did enjoy this book, but the lack of heat made it a little harder to anticipate the budding romance between the two main characters. 

Rate: 3/5

Book: Spring (Sunset Beach High, #3)

Author: McKayla Box

Publisher:

Publish Date: August 27, 2019

Presley has gone through a lot throughout the first semesters and now everything is in a state of limbo. She is torn between forgiving her friends and Trevor for the past but she can't get over what they did. 

In Spring Presley gains even more courage when she is faced with a decision; report the past or forget and move on. Things start to look up and once again, a problem arises. Enemies from the past resurface and put the pressure back on Presley in tenfold. As soon as she thinks she knows what she needs to do, there's a threat on Trevor regarding her choices. 

In this book, a lot of hard topics are brought up. Box continued to depict Presley in an appropriate manner. Instead of curling up on herself, she makes a decision and fights. This book continued on with building relationships and putting them to the test.

Verdict: This book had a little bit of a dry start but picked up pretty quickly. The make up between the characters was strained and slow building. There was some emotion to this book, but not as much heat as the first book. Presley is dealing with her friends' and Trevor's betrayal at a pretty slow pace. Eventually, things ramp up and get interesting again. Justice is served and new enemies are dealt with. A lot of questions were answered but ended with more questions.

Rate: 3.5/5

Book: Summer (Sunset Beach High, #4)

Author: McKayla Box

Publisher: 

Publish Date: September 10, 2019

Presley is faced with tough repercussions of her actions in Spring but she fights through with her friends and Trevor by her side. Trevor is paying for those actions as well, but he makes a permanent stand next to her, encouraging her the entire way.

In Summer there are so many feelings and Box made sure that her readers experienced them along with the characters. When a death strikes, it devastates so many and  I feel that it was correctly displayed. Box didn't uniform everyone's feelings--she made each character grieve differently. 

The conclusion to this series was beyond what I had expected. There was a lot of drama, but I don't think it was completely blown out of proportion. High school kids tend to think everything is the end of the world. 

Verdict: This book had a lot of emotions to it and it was good. There was a little more raw feeling when it came to the death in the book, but the two main characters lacked passionate heat. Friendships were completely mended and everyone got ready for college. This book definitely had more to it than books 2 and 3. This book left off on a really good note, questions were answered but I wish it would've went on for a little bit longer. Although there are a lot of questions about the future for Presley and Trevor, Box did a good job at a happy and solid ending. This was a good read, the ante was upped and more emotions were depicted. 

Rate: 4/5

OVERALL VERDICT

The series was a decently put together series. The first and last book were by far my favorites. The characters were well built and the relationships developed right between the pages and it was awesome to watch as it unfolded. The banter in the book was great and I loved Presley's attitude most of the time. There were some instances that I thought it went a little overboard, but it's a book based in high school. Same goes with the drama. I think there was a bit much, but it didn't completely take away from the story. I read all four books in one day and it was a good journey to follow. The middle got a little dry, but Box completely revived the story in the last book. 

OVERALL RATE

4/5

Road Trip with the Enemy - Kelsie Stelting

Book: Road Trip with the Enemy

Author: Kelsie Stelting

Publisher: 

Publish Date: September 24, 2019

Sydney Thane made two promises when she lost her twin brother, Greg. One, run a marathon for the ten year old boy, Liam, that Greg would volunteer to visit with. Two, stay far away from Jeremiah Dermot.

Syd has a lot on her shoulders; the grief she is feeling for losing her brother, the strain from her parent's failing marriage, and the loss of her friend--Jeremiah. When Syd's car breaks down on the way to the marathon, she is stranded on the side of the road. Fortunately, someone stops to help her. Much to her disappointment, that helpful person is the one person she promised to stay away with. Facing only two options, she has to choose..accept the ride from Jeremiah and run the marathon or avoid Jeremiah's offer and miss out on the marathon.

This book was emotionally grabbing, pulling me in to Syd's world and feeling her emotions. There were so many heartfelt moments. Each supporting character had their own vivid personality that caused me to fall in love with all of them. Krazy Karen had an extra dose of spunk that I adored. 

Stelting did a wonderful job of unraveling the back story of what happened and why Syd is supposed to stay away from Jeremiah. Stelting paced the information at the perfect timing throughout the book, keeping a burning interest in the book. 

This book was a really good read. Even though the characters were in high school, they had a great level of maturity. The two characters had chemistry seeping through the book. Stelting did a great job of uncovering the hurt behind losing someone that was important to not only Syd, but her parent's, and even Jeremiah's. Jeremiah was Greg's best friend. Stelting keeps you turning the pages to find out what happened in the past, as well as what is yet to come for Syd and Jeremiah. 

Verdict: This book was heart-wrenching in more than one way. I would recommend this book. This book is suitable for high school students and older. This is a story focusing solely on the process of picking up the pieces after surviving a loss. It was well crafted and had a certain magic of pulling me in and casting me into Syd's feelings.

Rate: 4.5/5 

Bad Apple - Gemini Jensen

Book: Bad Apple

Author: Gemini Jensen

Publisher: 

Publish Date: September 30, 2019

From the first page, I was hooked. Bad Apple was such an exhilarating book. There was so much heat, hate, and passion. This book had me gripping the edge of my seat, while waiting with anticipation of what was going to unfold. Every interaction between True and Ransom was unpredictable and real.

This book was nothing like I expected—in a great way.

True is a senior that has everything. She’s the head captain of the cheer team, daughter of the Sheriff, envied by all her classmates, and dating Mr. Popular. Everything she has is put to the test as a new student joins her class. 

Enter the “Bad Apple” himself… 

Ransom is the epitome of bad boy with his dark appearance, piercings, tattoos, icy glare, and quick tongue. He was ripped away from his life, his friends, and band. After being shipped off to a small town, he decided to set his sights on knocking down True. After all, she is the daughter of his enemy and he has a family name to honor. 

Jensen did a wonderful job at describing everything. Her writing has the ability to put you right there, in the characters shoes. My absolute favorite descriptive part was about Ransom’s eyes. “...eyes the color of deeply frosted grass—like the first frost of the year just touched down, the pale green barely peeking out from beneath the thick, icy layer as it catches the glint of the early morning sun.” Jensen’s attention to detail is enthralling.

The ending of this book will keep you on your toes and jaw to the floor. The cliffhanger had me ready to dive right into the next book. 

Verdict: I would recommend this book to anyone that likes books about Bully Romance or Enemies to Lovers. Beware there are some triggers in this book as it is about a bullying romance.

Rate: 5/5

When Rivals Fall - J.L Beck and C. Hallman

Book: When Rivals Fall (Bayshore Rivals, #1)

Author: J. L. Beck and C. Hallman

Publisher: 

Publish Date: July 8th, 2019

The Lockwood's and the Bishop's families have been at war for as long as their kids can remember. Harlow Lockwood is the golden girl of her family. Bound to her last name, she has unspeakable devotion and loyalty to her family. When she gets in the middle of a family feud, lines are crossed.

 In high school, Harlow does something for her dad that she could never see haunting her in the future. She thought she was safe, starting new at a college far away from her family. She could never see it coming--or rather, them. 

The Bishop boys--Oliver, Sullivan, and Banks--have revenge on the mind, and Harlow in their sights. They haven't let go of the past, or forgotten about it, and they want to make sure Harlow doesn't either.

I loved the characters, especially Sullivan. I wasn't a huge fan of Harlow, but she was a well built character. I have noticed in a lot of bully romance novels, the main female is usually very strong and outspoken. I feel like Harlow wasn't living up to that expectation, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just wasn't my favorite. Sullivan, though, oof. That boy. 

Each time I expected something to go a specific way, there was a little kink in it. This book definitely had it's own spirit throughout the book and I enjoyed it. Overall, this book was a great read and I will be reading on with the series. 

Verdict: Beck and Hallman did a really good job with this book. I love the display of the devotion to their family name and the dynamic of growing up. Typically, I am not one for reverse harem, but the blurb for this book was too interesting to pass up. I dived in expected a mediocre book, but Beck and Callman delivered so much more than I expected. The story-line was well written and executed. The book wasn't confusing, it was to the point and didn't go off on a tangent. It stayed in line. 

Rate: 3.5/5