I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This book had all of the makings of a great story, but I just did not connect with the story or the characters and skimmed most of it to see what happened.

Not having read the first two books in the series I didn't exactly know what to expect. I was at a disadvantage because of that and spent time trying to decipher the backstory. There was a darkness to the story because of all the angst that seemed to follow the characters. Though I have no problem with stories with emotional darkness, there was too much here because I didn't understand the underlying relationships with the characters.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Lexi Ryan always has the ability to bring emotional investment to every story she tells. It's not different with Sebastian and Alex. They have a complicated history, only some of which Alex is aware of. Sebastian always tries to be the good guy, and that involves keeping secrets that impact Alex, her brother and sister, his father. But things have a way of coming full circle, like the exposure of those secrets, developing relationships, getting closure, and finding justice. Lexi is very talented at letting you know where each couple is at this point in time, as well as giving hints where they're going, and knowing where the Blackhawk Boys are headed, I can't wait to get to the next book!

So here’s what happened …. I read book two of the series, Rushing in, last year for a blog tour. If you read the review you will know that I FUCKING LOVED IT. And I meant to go back to book one, Spinning Out, and then life happened or something and out of nowhere, book three, Going Under is happening and I’m like whaaaaaaaaaaat … but wait, life again and book FOUR, Falling Hard is coming up for promo and #anxiety And then the best thing happened … I met Lexi Ryan in person a couple of weeks ago at the Romantic Times Convention and got to spend some time with her chatting about books and life! *happy sigh* ( she is BEYOND lovely ) SO, I get back from the convention and #bingereading began! :)

So I’m gonna roll these last four books out for you in one review by saying Lexi is CRAZY WITH HER WORDS! Lol

1. The #FuckingFeels have #Feels that sometimes have #Feels (I aint even playin)
2. She loooooooooooooooooves her triangles that sometimes are possibly pentagons hiding in a hexagon (I’m seriously not playin)
3. Her books are NOT short so prepare yourself :) But every word in her books means something. Every event will lead to something. But pay attention because she’s crazy with her words ;)
4. No matter where YOU are in life, these stories will touch you. They will resonate in your heart and it will sing! LOUD. You may not prefer New Adult (as I mostly do not) but you will still love the heck out of these kids. And you will root for them. EVERY.STEP.OF.THE.WAY. #TRUST
5. This series is more than just a series of HEAs … It’s a series of friendship and family. It’s a series of growth and forgiveness and redemption. It’s a series of regrets and broken promises. There are twist and turns and sometimes some cliff diving that will keep you glued to your kindle. I promise you this! But most of all it is a story of love and unity and cohesiveness and trust!



So I’m not going back and doing an individual review of the stories I haven’t reviewed but I will say that ….

• Arrow and Mia, you weighed heavy on my heart. Your road was not an easy road for such young kids but you made it just fine to the other side! Well done!
•Grace, you touched my heart the hardest. I’m really happy you found Chris to stand by you, but I’m even happier you learned to stand on your own!
•Alexandra, I am in awe of you and you inspire me. You touched my soul the hardest. Your journey is/was unfathomable to me and you made it to the other side tall and strong.
•Emma and Keegan … If I had to read a story after yours right now I just would not be able to. Keegan, you are inspiring to all young men out there! I wish more read romance fiction because you are and exceptional young man! Emma … your journey gutted me from beginning to end. I saw it all coming and I was powerless to the havoc it playing in my heart. I cannot think of a more deserving couple than you two for a second chance at getting it right. #ditto <3



Okay, so this turned out a little longer than I expected but I mean every word. These are NOT just sports romance stories and these are NOT just new adult stories. You just have to trust me on the power that Lexi Ryan has with a pen!

Copies of all books provided by NetGalley at some point. Some for review only and some for blog tour reviews

Alex Deluca has always had a crush on Sebastian Crowe since she met him in high school. Sebastian has had a crush on Alex forever, he just didn't feel he was good enough for her. Years later they meet up again and their chemistry is still off the charts. Can the secrets of Sebastian's past ruin his chances with Alex now? Will Alex accept who Sebastian truly is still when all the secrets are revealed?

Wow, Alex and Sebastian's relationship faced a lot of trials, the least of which was his past with her sister. Overall, I enjoyed watching them overcome them and move on to a happy future.

This is one story that will keep you feeling invested in Sebastian and Alexandra and the past that keeps them from the love they have for each other. Alex is living with scars on about one third of her body that she got while running into a burning building trying to rescue her twin sister. Sebastian is living with scars within his soul for feeling that Alex’s sister, Martina died because of him. No matter if they are internal or external scars are a part of who you are and it is something you cannot hide no matter how hard you try. This is the feeling that I got from this well written book by Lexi Ryan. This is my first book by her and I was very impressed with the way she taught you life lessons while giving you one hell of a story.

Alex and Sebastian have always had strong feelings for each other but neither was able to act on them. Sebastian mainly because of the guilt he felt in playing a part of Martina’s death. He fought hard to stay away from Alex but it was near impossible when they were both thrown in the path of each other again. There are some things that happen which I didn’t expect and I had to re-read just to make sure of the turn this story was taking. (And I loved it!!) I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Ryan.

I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC for a freely given honest review.

Just a bit too angsty--too young for my liking. Well written and a huge fan of this author. Just did not push all my buttons this time around.