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Review

OMGOMGOMG! I LOVE IT!!!

5 huge stars.

Why the hell did it take me so long to read this book? Gorgeous, manwhoring quarterback and an intelligent ‘good girl’, both slightly broken, but absolutely perfect for each other – it’s a story that’s been done before, but THIS book truly shines in a sea of NA books that have a similar set up. The writing is wonderful, the characters are amazing, and there is an engaging and heart-pounding love story that is funny, sweet, sexy and emotional with none of the pointless drama or annoying behaviour that you often find in college-based books. I had that tingly feeling (you know, the one that you get when you’re reading something special) from start to finish, and I thought it was absolutely fantastic!

Molly Shakespeare has moved from England to Alabama as part of her college studies. She has had a hard life but has worked hard to get where she is and she is determined to achieve her dreams of a PhD and a career as a College professor. She is experiencing a whole new world in the US, and her acclimatisation to all things college is a great addition to the story. Romeo ‘Rome’ Prince is the superstar of college football and headed straight for the NFL. He seems to have it all, but as perfect as his life may appear on the surface, there is so much more to him than what he shows.

From the moment they see each other, the chemistry is apparent and their initial encounters are brimming with sexual tension. Of course, Molly has no idea of who he is or why he is such a big deal, and in a world where he is the constant target of groupies, Rome likes that, but while he is smitten from the very beginning, Molly is hesitant to get involved with the campus playboy. But he is determined to have her, and as the perfect combination of sweet, playful and sexy as all hell, there’s no way Molly can resist him.

“Don’t mistake yourself for one of the others, Mol. You’re much, much more. I’ll gladly convince anyone who thinks otherwise.”
“Why am I more? I don’t get it.”
“You just are. You somehow give me peace in my completely fucked-up world. You get me; no one has before. It’s that simple.”

I love this relationship! They are truly gorgeous together – honest with each other and there is no game playing and the intensity that is between them develops into a soul-deep love that they both embrace whole-heartedly.

“My body recognises you as something that’s good for me. My mind recognises you as someone who’s right for me, and my soul recognises you as someone who is meant for me.”
A bashful smile ghosted his lips and his tense shoulders relaxed. “We’re in fuckin’ deep, aren’t we, Shakespeare?” he said in hushed tone, his body radiating a peaceful happiness.
A feeling of contentment settled over us both.
“I think that’s an understatement.”

Is there anything sexier than a guy in complete, open, proud and unapologetic love? Add in the fact that he used to be a moody, manwhoring bastard, and it’s like romance reader crack, and I lapped up every moment of it.

“I love you. I love you beyond anythin’ I could’ve ever imagine was possible.”

The swoony declarations are balanced perfectly with the rawness of their relationship. They are completely open to each other, and that translates into some seriously intense sexy time! Rome likes control in the bedroom, and he demonstrates that over and over again, and oh holy hell, it’s hot! And rounding out the sweet and sexy, and the intensity between Rome and Molly, there are lots of light moments which had me laughing out loud.

“I don’t remember Romeo being this pushy with Juliet!”
He arched his eyebrows meaningfully. “And look at how that worked out for them. My way is better— less death, more orgasms.”

But Rome is dealing with cruel and overbearing parents who have their own plans for his life, and Molly’s past continues to plague her. They may have each other, but they have a lot that they have to overcome in order to get their happy ending, and OMG, the feels! My heart broke for them both as the story played out, and though I read with tears streaming down my face at times, I really like the way the conflict was written into the story.  I love the strength of their relationship through it all, and I thought that it was really well handled – minimally angsty yet incredibly emotional, and it’s all worth it for the incredible ending that had my heart pounding while I clutched my kindle with glee.

“We can’t erase the secrets and marred memories of our pasts, but we can build the next chapter of our lives together.”

The Shakespeare theme is incorporated in a way that is playful, yet sweet, and there is a great group of characters that add a lot to the story, and have me excited to carry on with the series.

I honestly loved EVERYTHING about this book. I am in so much love with it that I’m going straight on to Sweet Rome, which is essentially the same story told from Rome’s POV. I can’t get enough, and I’m eager to experience it all over again.

“Hey Mol.”
“Hey You.”
“You gonna give up that lucky sweet kiss?”
“If that’s what you want.”
“It most definitely is.”

I absolutely loved it, an instant favourite – 5 stars.

 

The Sweet Home Series 

 

For similar reads, see our NA Recommendations page

And for more reads by this author, see our Tillie Cole Author Spotlight