Released On: February 4, 2014
Never Been Ready
by JL Berg
Book 2 of the Ready Series
4.5 stars
JL Berg was the main reason why I wanted to grab the chance to review this book. I have not read the first book in this series, When You're Ready, but I remember seeing many book bloggers rave and recommend it to everybody when it first came out. Based on the excerpts and teasers I read, I also felt that her work is something I'd love--and I was right!
Never Been Ready is a very well-written book. The storyline was solid. There were no unresolved plot points when the book ended. Well, except for one, but that was okay since it indicated who the next book in the series will be about! :) Never Been Ready has lots of steamy scenes, and I love that they were all romantic and done tastefully. I also chuckled a lot with this book! With a feisty heroine with a wicked sense of humor and a hero who won't back down easily, you are bound to get plenty of witty and funny exchanges! Here's one conversation that really made me laugh out loud:
"I'm kidding... about the Will Smith thing. You were about to go all fangirl on me, weren't you?
"Don't kid when it comes to celebrities."
"You know, I'm a celebrity," I said smoothly.
"Yeah, but I've heard you pee, and now, all the mystery and allure is gone," she shrugged.
"You have not head me pee!"
"Have to. You pee with the door open at night, and guy pee is really loud."
"This conversation has taken a really weird turn."
"Just trying to make sure your head doesn't blow up, Hotshot." She grinned.
"You're so sweet."
Aside from the humor, I think the romance was top-notch. I like that it wasn't drawn out. It was a clever move to have made these characters meet in the first book because it allowed the story to jump right into the characters acknowledging their sizzling attraction for each other. The story moves quickly, and I like it because I didn't get bored. JL Berg also did a great job in writing the early part of their relationship because even if things did happen fast in terms of calendar days, Leah and Declan agreeing to see each other exclusively (even if they are not yet committing to forever) at the time that they did still felt like the most natural thing in the world.
Now about these two... I'm glad that JL Berg took a lighter tone with this story. Leah could have turned out to be an angst-ridden woman for most of her life. Declan could have been made out as a Hollywood jerk with a severe case of manwhoring, but no. These two characters didn't follow the stigma of their background/childhood stories.
Both are extremely likable, too, and together? They just make the page sizzle. What I love the most is that they are equally dynamite even when they're simply hanging out, talking, babysitting together... There's a particular scene in the snow that I just loved! Nope, nothing steamy, hahaa! I just loved them both in that part because they allowed themselves to just let loose, enjoy each other's company, and relish the deeper feelings that they're starting to feel for one another. What had started out as a friends-with-benefits arrangement had soon developed into something more.
"You're not my boyfriend."
"No, but you just agreed to be mine, didn't you?"
The best part is, Leah and Declan allowed it to happen. So there was no angst, none of that annoying "running away" or "one step forward, two steps back" drama that happens so frequently in stories similar to this. They were mature and acted their age, wootwoot! They did everything right, so much so that their first worries (ex: distance, Declan leaving after shooting is done, the temporary nature of their supposed non-relationship) faded into nothing.
And Declan, goodness me.. he says the sweetest things to Leah! It's not just the possessive, caveman-like things he says that makes my toes curl. The little things he does, the arm around the waist, the shoulders, a hug from the back, small-liners that just show how much he cares and how much he wants her around.. *sigh* it's swoon-worthy. I got a little highlighter-happy on my Kindle because of him, actually! Leah, too, has her sweet lines and moments for Declan. Theirs is a pleasant, sweet romance that continuously moves forward, no drama, and I really loved that!
Leah: A million men could flirt with me, but I'm not going anywhere.
Declan: I don't know [Why do I cry so much around you?], but I'll hold you every time you do.
Things are perfect as early as 50% into the story... and that's when I started to think, oh no... there has to be something major and something bad that will happen later! And then finally, that shocking twist did come out. Boy, that made me gasp out loud. I won't say anymore, but let me tell you. Everything that happens from the second half till the end made me love Declan even more!
I highly recommend Never Been Ready. If you haven't read book 1 like I did, don't worry because the references to events in that book won't throw you off. It's very easy to understand what the characters are talking about in reference to events that happened in book 1 (though of course, it will be awesome if you also read When You're Ready since Claire and Logan's love story is a story of triumph, even over what seems to be impossible). It made my toes curl! :) I love stories that can make me do that, and Never Been Ready is one of them.
It was the beginning of a future--our future, completely unscripted, unwritten, and ready to be lived.
Buy Links: Amazon
| Barnes & Noble | Kobo
| Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Synopsis:
Leah Morgan was done with men. After barely surviving a horrendous childhood, and a boyfriend who bailed when things got rough, Leah had given up on love. Then she met him, Hollywood’s new golden boy who suddenly had eyes only for her. She tried to convince herself that one night couldn’t hurt, but after six months, the memories of his mesmerizing gaze and searing touch still invaded her every thought.
Declan James had just one rule when it came to women. Keep it simple, and never linger. That all changed the moment he met Leah. Even across a crowded bar, he could tell she was different. Sweet, with just the right amount of sass, she made him break his golden rule and now he couldn’t walk away.
When casual becomes anything but, and emotions run deep, will Leah and Declan fight their fears, or let old insecurities destroy their one chance to discover true happiness? When Declan’s past comes roaring back in a way neither of them could have expected, will they stand united or be torn apart by the challenges that lie ahead?
It was only supposed to be one night, but only forever will do.
Giveaway!
(1)Kindle Fire HD – US Only (if this changes I will make the switch on the Raffelcopter codes)
(3) Print copies of Never Been Ready – US Only
(5) eBook copies of Never Been Ready - International
US Only
Open International
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Thank you for reviewing! I'm so glad you enjoyed Leah and Declan's story.
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