These Starcrossed Lives of Ours by Megan Linski

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Christine Fjord is on the run. After making her escape from the cult she called her family for three years, nineteen year old Christie is now wanted dead by the girl she’s loved and idolized forever...the cult's cunning and venomous leader, Annabelle Lane. An expert in the art of deception, Annabelle's threats aren't to be taken lightly, and everybody knows that once you're in the cult, you're in it for life. The only way out is death. 

Christie's break from Annabelle's clutches leads her to a place she never knew existed, a small town called Manchester, Michigan, and into the arms of a man who is the opposite of everything she's been. Ian Rosenthal is kind, forgiving, and willing to sacrifice everything for Christie's safety. Christie resists Ian's efforts to win her over, despite the strong feelings she has for him. Is falling in love again worth risking her life? Christie knows that nobody crosses Annabelle Lane without paying the ultimate price... Official Description from Goodreads.

Our first introduction to Christine isn't exactly the best impression. I can understand why she did it afterward but at first it seems terrible and unconscionable. Especially once we understand why Christine did what she did and what she became part of. Cults aren't typically raised in romance books and so it was a unique plot. It was intriguing to see that look into a cult leader's mindset as well as a cult in general.

Ian on the other hand was comfortable and made the story more humorous. He was adorable and I easily fell in love with him. I don't think anyone could resist once they got to know him. That doesn't mean he has or had the perfect life but it does mean that he's doing the best he can with the hand he's dealt. And helping others as well.

And then there was a huge shocker that I honestly didn't expect but really should have seen coming. It was one of those things that you think possibly could happen but dismiss it once you hear more details. So I was shocked to discover the truth behind Annabeth's past.

These Starcrossed Lives of Ours was an intriguing read that was well written.

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The Bottom Line by Sandy James

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"She only needed one more change." -Sandy James, The Bottom Line

WARNING: This book contains Sexual Content

Mallory has had a tough year. After finding out she had breast cancer, her husband also divorced her. Now that she's finally found herself on the way back to being fully healthy she wants to take care of the DIY jobs that her ex-husband had started and left. Enter Ben Carpenter, her contractor. Also divorced but with custody of his teenage daughter, he tries to avoid a relationship with Mallory but sparks fly and they quickly fall in love. But will Mallory let him in after what her ex-husband did to her? Can she learn to trust and love a man again? Find the official description on Goodreads.

It was nice to know from almost the very beginning Ben's story. It made interpreting his actions and understanding them a little easier.

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