Review: As Long As You Love Me by Luann McLane

Series: Heartthrob Book #4

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Pocket Star

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Jesse Heart is usually the life of the party, especially on the dance floor. So when he offers to be dancer Ava Mayor’s partner in a local fundraising competition for the Sea Breeze Performing Arts Center, he thinks it’s going to be a cakewalk. But hip-hop doesn’t exactly translate to tango—Ava’s area of expertise—and Jesse has trouble taking ballroom seriously.

Although Jesse’s comedic antics get under Ava’s skin, the more time they spend together in rehearsal, the more they come to realize that they’re not so different after all. And with Ava’s passion for technicality and Jesse’s raw talent, it doesn’t take long for this couple to start dancing their way into each other’s arms... and hearts.

Perfect for fans of Step Up, Backstreet Boys, and New Kids on the Block, this fun and sexy finale to the Heartthrob series will have you pulling your old boy band shirts out of your closet and dancing all night long.

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. In the beginning, I got a little worried. But then I really got into it and cared about these characters. Part of the problem is that I'm pretty critical of dance books because I am a lifelong dancer. But this was handled fairly well. It probably helps that I don't know a ton about the world of Ballroom Dance.

Overall, this was a light, fun, and funny story. The hero, Jesse, is the goofy guy from the boy band he was in. So, he brings a lot of that fun and breaks up a lot of the tense situations. He also isn't afraid of his emotions like some heroes which was a nice change. Ava, the heroine, is much more straight-laced and kind of uptight. I understand that kind of behavior and I liked seeing her develop.

The romance was nice. Jesse and Ava had an immediate attraction, but didn't just jump into bed. That can have merit, but I think slower romances tend to be more believable. And I enjoyed reading about them just talking/dancing.

I believe this is the last book in this series. And I do want to read the other books because I'm curious about Jesse's brothers and their romances.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: As Long As You Love Me by Ann Aguirre

Series: 2B Series Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Most people dream about getting out of Sharon, Nebraska, but after three years away, Lauren Barrett is coming home. She has her reasons—missing her family, losing her college scholarship. But then there's the reason Lauren can't admit to anyone: Rob Conrad, her best friend's older brother.

Football prowess and jaw-dropping good looks made Rob a star in high school. Out in the real world, his job and his relationships are going nowhere. He's the guy who women love and leave, not the one who makes them think of forever—until Lauren comes back to town, bringing old feelings and new dreams with her.

Because the only thing more important than figuring out where you truly belong is finding the person you were meant to be with.

Review

I got this on Overdrive when I was looking for a new adult book to read. It was a fast and easy read, but it isn't the best book ever.

Generally, I liked the characters and the romance was cute. There was the potential for girl on girl hate but it turned into a pretty nice female friendship. Rob-the love interest-was my favorite character. He was so nice and had a vulnerability you don't often see in New Adult books.

Some of the characterization felt forced especially for Lauren. There were parts of her personality that didn't jive. She dealt with social anxiety, but it felt like only when it enhanced the story. That's just sloppy writing. That kind of thing happened several times with different parts of her characters. Stuff like that really pulls me out of a story.

Thanks for reading!
Holly