Villians & Vodka by Alta Hensley

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

BLURB

My life is one long fevered dream, balancing between being killed or killing.
The name Harley Crow is one to be feared.
I am an assassin.
A killer.
The villain.

I own it. I choose this life. Hell, I crave it. I hunger for it. The smell of fear makes me hard and is the very reason the blood runs through my veins.
Until I meet her…

Marlowe Masters.
Her darkness matches my own.
In my twisted world of dancing along the jagged edge of the blade…
She changes everything.
No weapon can protect me from the kind of death she will ultimately deliver.

*Villains & Vodka is a dark billionaire romance. If you don’t like a splash of shock, a dash of taboo, and a heavy dose of sex, then don’t take a sip of this TOP SHELF cocktail.
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36509605-villains-vodka

 

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*}

I'm actually really conflicted about rating/reviewing this book because I liked the story and the characters intrigued me but I'm not happy about the way that things were resolved in it. I couldn't for the life of me understand where the characters heads were by the end of the story. It makes no sense to me for things to have resolved that way after where the characters were at emotionally in the aftermath of the events that took place. I will just add this to the pile of books that I have read wherein the characters don't discuss anything but everything turns out fine regardless of the heinous acts committed by one or both parties.I ultimately decided to go with 3 stars simply because of the characters, the tone, and unique story line.
The characters had a crazy amount of chemistry that wasn't the typical type of chemistry. They each had a darker side to them, Harley more so than Marlowe. I thought that this made them more interesting as a partnership of sorts. They were each mysterious in their own right and still are by the end because the author doesn't really reveal anything about them. I think that is why they intrigued me so much. Usually, if an author chose to stay on the surface with characters it would annoy me but it worked in this book because of what was revealed about them.  
I found the story interesting and unlike what I have read in the past. I would attribute this to the characters because although Marlowe has been through things she is shown to be incredibly strong and Harley seems to be different from other characters that have the job of assassin in other books because he doesn't have a sweet side per say.  He was more complex than I thought that he would be but I pretty much hated him by the end because of what he did. I figured out what was going on in the book fairly easily but I'm not sure if i would say that it is predictable because I don't think that everyone will see certain things coming. I wish that I could say more about the story but I don't want to spoil anything. Just know that it is a dark book that has sexual scenes and trauma so be warned if you read this that there may be triggers for you.

PURCHASE LINKS
US: http://1click.bz/VillainsVodkaUS
UK: http://1click.bz/VillainsVodkaUK
CA: http://1click.bz/VillainsVodkaCA
AU: http://1click.bz/VillainsVodkaAU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

#1 Bastards & Whiskey
US: http://amzn.to/2ka9BYH
UK: http://amzn.to/2AliVgJ
CA: http://amzn.to/2Bv11YO
AU: http://amzn.to/2BnomL0
Free in Kindle Unlimited
 

AUTHOR BIO
Alta Hensley is a USA TODAY bestselling author of hot, dark and dirty romance. She is also an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. Being a multi-published author in the romance genre, Alta is known for her dark, gritty alpha heroes, sometimes sweet love stories, hot eroticism, and engaging tales of the constant struggle between dominance and submission.

AUTHOR LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyAuthor
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2e4R1ii
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AltaHensley
Website: http://www.altahensley.com/
Newsletter: http://www.subscribepage.com/i0n8g9

As Long As You Hate Me by Carrie Aarons

🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

BLURB

Kara

High school sweethearts. What a load of bull.

He might have been my first love, but it never meant I wanted to hear lyrics containing my name, love story, and *cringe* how I lost my virginity peddled out for the masses to digest.

Seven years later, and I’m still being haunted by his photo in every magazine, his music on every radio station. I thought breakups meant that you never had to see the person again. Especially when they ripped out your heart and made hamburger meat with it.

But when a chance encounter ends up going viral, I’m tied to him in a way I’ve always dreaded. And the last person on earth I’d want to spend an hour with, much less a lifetime, makes me an offer I can’t refuse. I might just be desperate enough to take it.

Dean

The girl in the song is real. And she’s made me a rich man.

I’ve been dedicating choruses to her for a decade, she’s the muse she never wanted to be. Off of our love, I’ve become famous … and a complete egomaniac.

When another one of my flings goes off the rails, and lands me in hot water with the media, my recording label is less than thrilled. And so comes the marching orders from my agent; devise a scheme to transform into a squeaky clean good guy.

Coming face to face with her is something I’ve only dreamed about. If not to win her back, then to at least apologize for the ways I’ve exploited her. Instead, I rope her into my madness, proposing a deal only a masochist would accept.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36458701-as-long-as-you-hate-me

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*}

I thought that the whole portion of the story that was dedicated to how Dean's life was fake because of Hollywood glamour was interesting. It was what kept me reading the story more than anything else. I did think that it was a bit over-dramatized with all of the court stuff but still intriguing. 
This was a typical second chance romance. The story was predictable. It was obvious what would happen from beginning to end. To be honest, I didn't really like either of the main characters all that much. I disliked Dean much more than Kara because he was a real jerk to her so many times that I lost count. She had redeeming qualities like wanting to help people and being sweet to the people she cared about.


PURCHASE LINKS – 99c for release day ONLY!
US: http://1click.bz/ALAYHMAmznUS
UK: http://1click.bz/ALAYHMAmznUK
CA: http://1click.bz/ALAYHMAmznCA
AU: http://1click.bz/ALAYHMAmznAU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO
Author of romance novels such as Red Card and All the Frogs in Manhattan, Carrie Aarons writes sexy, swoon-worthy, sarcastic characters who won't get out of her head until she puts them down on a page.
Carrie has wanted to be an author since the first time she opened a book, and can't imagine a better or more maddening profession.
A lover of good manicures, Riesling and the beach, she enjoys chasing her puppy through the dog parks of New Jersey, or trying to make her husband binge watch the latest Netflix craze.

AUTHOR LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieAarons
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/carriescharmers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCarrieA
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorcarriea
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1P556r9
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14160972.Carrie_Aarons

Beyond Today by L. Simpson

🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

BLURB

Ticking all the boxes, the new man in Hannah's life also has a past with enough baggage for a voyage, and she can't see how they'll make it work between them beyond today.

THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESS

When Hannah meets Howard, the elusive best man in her friend's wedding, Hannah is instantly drawn to the damaged alpha because they share a connection that makes her heart race and her head spin. But his past, his family and how he slaked his sexual needs keep him prisoner, and challenges her faith in people. With time, Hannah sees the real him, but when he does the one thing she can’t accept, her own demons whisper: Run away from the only man who has ever made her heart full.
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36551337-beyond-today
 

EXCERPT
No matter how shitty the day, I shed my crankiness as I got closer to my cottage at the base of Mount Buffalo. Thoughts of Molly’s Hen’s night and getting my groove on further lifted my mood so when I turned down my long dirt driveway I was happy.

Inside, I gave my dogs Patsy and Eddie some attention then rushed into the shower, almost tripping into my clawfoot bath before putting on my dress, more mascara and some Chanel Mademoiselle. With five minutes to spare before I would be end-of-friendship late, I stoked the fire, fed the hounds and headed out.

The winery was situated on a hill surrounded by grape vines wearing their autumn coats. The wedding would be held at the renovated butter factory that now served as the cellar at the winery. It was made of old red brick with high ceilings and big wooden doors, and was attached to the farmhouse where Molly lived. As I neared the house, I could hear our friend Annie’s English accent animatedly recounting something, and Bruce snorting in response. Walking up the back steps I was met at the door by a relieved Dave and a near to tears Molly.

“Oh shit,” I muttered as she threw her arms around me. I leaned down to hug her, resting my head on her blonde curly hair. She was usually a little ray of sunshine, but not tonight.

“She won’t let me kick her out,” Dave ground out. Clearly the twig bitch had brought her A-game. Molly shook her head and I whispered fiercely in her ear, “She ain't got nothin’ on us.” And she didn’t.

Molly gave me a small smile in return, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s fine, I only have a few more weeks to endure it.” Molly had decided to tolerate Franny, but I wanted to give her a bloody nose. I released my friend and turned to walk inside, even thirstier now.

“I need a fuck,” I started to say before going smack-bang into a wall of muscle. The wall was tall because I was staring at a tanned throat and I was no short-ass. I stumbled back before looking up again. Fuck. I felt slammed into all over again. I’d run into a GQ model with broad shoulders, a square jaw and short dark hair that was faultlessly un-coiffed. I eyed his perfectly formed lips (that were turned down) and beautiful chocolate eyes that were, at this moment, looking at me from under raised eyebrows. I felt a pull of desire as my eyes moved south along his body. The irony that I’d just declared I needed a fuck wasn’t lost on me. Dave cleared his throat to snap me out of my exploration. I blinked slowly and stepped back.

“Ah Hannah, this is Howard.” Molly introduced us, and I could hear amusement in her voice.

So Howard was not a sixty-year-old banker, I thought, still dazzled. It was a shame I hadn’t met him sooner. After a moment, Dave made a strangled sound, disrupting my musing. I turned to see him looking down trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to stifle a laugh. Bugger. I’d spoken out loud. Now I was flushing red like a sunburnt ginger kid.

Slowly, I raised my eyes to Howard’s. “Well, Howard, it’s a pleasure to meet the man I’ll be joining at the end of the aisle,” I quipped as if I was hilarious. I wasn’t. This was embarrassing.

“Hannah.”

One Word. He didn’t need to say more—my undies incinerated.

So deep and melodic, he had a voice that made my mouth go dry and my girl parts tingle. I hadn't had sex since my ex, almost two years ago, and that sad realisation made more blood rush to my cheeks, twice in two minutes. Shit. I needed to lie down before I fainted.

Howard stood there looking at me, neither smiling nor scowling, probably trying to figure out what planet I was from.

“Well, about that drink, ” I said breaking the awkward silence abruptly, moving past him into the kitchen to drown myself in a bucket of wine.

“I can’t believe you said that out loud,” Molly stage-whispered as she followed me, closing the door. I was humiliated but at least Molly was smiling.

“Sorry I sounded like a complete cock. I didn’t embarrass you too much did I? He didn’t look happy.”

“Oh, he wasn’t unhappy.” Molly smiled suggestively.

“What happened? What’d I miss?”Annie rapped out as she walked in, hands on hips and demanding an answer. Annie, my other closest friend was also tiny like Molly, but had raven black hair cropped short and jewel-like eyes now glittering with anticipation. She was a smart ass. My antics were perfect cannon fodder for her.

“Nothing.” I yawned, feigning nonchalance.

“She met him,” Molly said to Annie with a knowing wink.

 I sighed. “Yeah, and I made a complete dick of myself.” This would’ve been hysterical if I wasn’t the dick.

“Oh, I don’t think he saw it that way,” Molly said smirking. I huffed, grabbed a drink and went through to the dining room to get away from my friends making fun of me.
 

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*}

The thing that makes this book unique is Howard. I loved him! He is so sensitive and it was interesting to see a bit of a gender swap in a way with him. In romances, it is usually the girl that has the issue that the book focuses on. In Beyond Today, this is not the case because Howard's issue is the main focus. I was happy to see that because it gives a different perspective to this particular issue. I also appreciated how the author doesn't make him seem weak even though he feels like he is weak or less of a man because of it.
Everything about the book besides Howard was meh for me. I didn't feel that the other characters were unique and there wasn't much background to any of them even Hannah. The story seemed to follow the typical pattern that other romances do and was extremely predictable. It didn't take me long to figure out exactly what was going to happen in the story. The only reason that I kept reading was because I wanted to read more of Howard's point of view. I wouldn't have minded if the book was all from Howard's point of view.

 

PURCHASE LINKS
US: http://amzn.to/2z0olfs
UK: http://amzn.to/2hMwBwg
CA: http://amzn.to/2zSgZht
AU: http://amzn.to/2ivesjC
B&N: http://bit.ly/2zWXHFG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2hCiaqN
iBooks: http://apple.co/2zVShuu 

AUTHOR BIO
As a girl growing up, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. During high school, volleyball dominated her life; there had to be something positive about being 6’1” with red hair.

Representing Australia from a young age she eventually took up a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full-time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember). #gohawkeyes

Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads. Through working and studying, she realised there are other ways to win hearts and minds.

While she’s spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has gotten stronger. She now lives in the Alpine Valley of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, two dogs and seven chooks. When she’s not doing the whole mum thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing.
 
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: http://www.lsimpsonauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l.simpson.romance
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lsimpsonauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lsimpsonauthor

The Dark Intercept (The Dark Intercept #1) by Julia Keller

🌟🌟🌗 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

The State controls your emotions. What would you pay to feel free?
In a radiant world of endless summer, the Intercept keeps the peace. Violet Crowley, the sixteen-year-old daughter of New Earth’s Founding Father, has spent her life in comfort and safety. Her days are easy thanks to the Intercept, a crime-prevention device that monitors and provokes emotion. But when her long-time crush, Danny Mayhew, gets into a dangerous altercation on Old Earth, Violet launches a secret investigation to find out what he's hiding. An investigation that will lead her to question everything she's ever known about Danny, her father, and the power of the Intercept.

^{*I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I thought the idea behind this book was interesting. A machine that can monitor and provoke emotions in someone's head and use it to incapacitate people who may be committing a crime?!? I loved the idea of that because it isn't something that I think has been used before in dystopian or sci-fi books before. It is an interesting thing to think about because I don't think that people may realize how much power emotions have over people. They can motivate a person to commit certain acts or to react differently to situations. 
My main issue with this book was Violet. I felt like the majority of her actions were prompted by her feelings for Danny.  I'm all for romance but she didn't seem to care about anything else besides him. It was really frustrating for me because I wanted the book to focus on more interesting aspects of the book but since Violet was the only point of view it didn't end of happening. 
I wish that the author would have spent more time on the actual story rather than what I just mentioned because book ended up feeling fragmented. I wanted to have more information about many other things that are brought up in the story like how people are chosen to come to New Earth or about the intercept itself. I know that there is supposed to be another book after this one which may help to explain more but I don't plan on reading it.} 

True Abandon by Jeannine Colette

🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

SYNOPSIS:

Can the sins of the past be forgiven with the actions of today?
Trish Hogan's life was destroyed when she gave her trust to her high school boyfriend, Jackson, and he threw it away, changing the course of her life forever.
A decade later she’s living in Manhattan -- she has a roommate, a steady boyfriend and a career. When a hurricane puts the city on lock down, Trish gets a message she never thought she’d receive: Jackson is dying and alone. In a city of millions, she is the only person who can sit by his side.
Jackson Davis was once the golden child of a senator who went against his father’s plans and became a musician. Tatted up and broken, he wakes up in a hospital only to see Trish -- the one person he needs to atone his sins to -- standing before him. He will recover from his injuries, but not from the pain he caused in the past.
Trapped by the storm, they embark on a night of reckoning that has one running away to Hawaii and the other following in her steps. As the victim becomes the villain, the two are forced to face the past, live in the present and find a way to navigate into the future.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32879795-true-abandon

 EXCERPT:
“I want you to get to know me now, as a man.”
I hold a finger up to him. “No.”
“Yes.”
Shaking my head, I state, “You can’t force me to spend time with you.”
“Yes, I can,” he retorts with a wink. He flicks a gaze around the room—the fourteen-hundred-square-foot Pele suite with two king-size master bedrooms, a living room, lanai looking out to the Pacific Ocean, and—
Realization strikes.
“Oh, no.” I put both hands up in the air and start to back away. “No, no, no, no, no.”
He smiles.
“You’re sick,” I state.
He strides toward me, each step more purposeful than the last. “Eight days and seven nights of personal concierge service.”
I continue to back up. “You’re insane.”
“Sit back and relax at our five-star luxury resort while your every need is met,” he recites the words from the hotel’s website.
My heels continue to retreat backward. “I don’t know what you think this service includes, but it’s not—” My back hits the wall.
“Not what?” His palms are pressed flat against the wall by my head, his body pinning me in.
I gasp at the proximity.
The buttons of his shirt are level with my eyes. The fire of the dragon peeks over the top of his collar. His strong legs encase me. The well-defined upper half of a man who clearly treats his body like a piece of art paired with the intoxicating smell of warm honey radiating off his skin trap me. I’m consumed by the power of this man, yet not one single part of his body is touching me. Not one tiny inch.
I look up and am a breath away from lips whose kisses are still ones I dream about. I dare myself not to, but I find myself glancing further up, and my heart stops at the look he’s giving me—the heated one of a man who is fixated on the one thing he wants. The determined yet yearning gaze of someone who has been deprived for years. The look of someone who is staring at what he needs.
My body ignites.
From the tips of my fingers to the swell of my chest and right down to the simmering of my core, I’m reacting to having this hard, powerful body so close. It’s so intense, so direly missed—and so very, very dangerous.
I tilt my head to the side, causing Jax to lean in and whisper into my ear, his breath hot against my skin, “There once was a time when you looked at me like I was your savior. Now, your eyes scream in disgust. Where you once melted, now, you flinch. I did that to you, and it kills me.”
He pushes off the wall and stalks back to the middle of the room with his chest heaving. I was so concerned about my physical reaction, I didn’t even notice he had one of his own.
“I’m not the monster you think I am.”
 

^{*Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review*}

I appreciated how the author made sure to focus on having the main characters discuss their issues. It wasn't as simple as "you did a bad thing but I love you so no big deal".
I thought that the main issue that tore the main characters apart was an interesting one. I thought that the explanations from each of the characters of how it changed them made sense. It made the story seem realistic and not overly dramatic. I thought that Jackson's side of what happened was believable and slightly redeemed him enough for readers to want them to be together in the end. Teenagers don't usually think about the possible long term ramifications of their actions and it seemed to be the case for these characters in the book.
I thought that t g e book was predictable to an extent but I enjoyed the creativity that the author employed. I thought the issue that comes up towards the end of the book was a nice touch. It helps the reader to see the different sides of the issue and how different people act after going through something difficult. I can't say that I was surprised by the character that caused issues. I saw that coming from a mile away and frankly I never liked that character anyway. I found them to be self absorbed.

 PURCHASE LINKS
US: http://amzn.to/2yXujOi
UK: http://amzn.to/2jE1ovy
CA: http://amzn.to/2yWfJq1
AU: http://amzn.to/2AdK3Rt
Free in Kindle Unlimited

GIVEAWAY There is a giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card + a signed paperback of True Abandon (1 winner, open internationally) 
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba3ffd551716
  
AUTHOR BIO
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: https://jeanninecolette.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeannine-Colette/919964628027920
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeannineColett
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanninecolette/
Newsletter: http://www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
 

Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 (Wires and Nerve #1)

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Synopsis:

When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers' leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the series.

This graphic novel was everything that I hoped that it would be and more. I have to admit that I was nervous about reading it because it focuses heavily on Iko. I was used to the other books that focused on the other characters with Cinder's story always being the main focus. It's not that I didn't like her but I was nervous about this being more of her story. I was actually surprised by how much I liked Iko. She was funny and girly but also knew how to kick butt. I didn't mind having the focus being on such a strong, independent individual. I was interested in what she would do or say next. 
The other main characters are featured in this as well which was nice because readers will still get to see what  is happening in their lives since the events that happened in Winter. This book is essentially an expansion on the world and a continuation of  the series.
I loved how action packed the other books in this series were and this one did not disappoint on that front either. There was plenty of action and I'm sure there will be even more in the next installment coming out at the beginning of next year. The illustrations in this book were well done but I wish that it wasn't entirely done in blue. It makes it difficult to depict what is in some of the panels in the book. 

On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌗 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

What makes you happy?

That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.

And then, I got in his car.

It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers. One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.

Discovering his journal changed everything.

I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.

I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.

Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.

This book is my new favorite from Kandi Steiner. There was very little that I disliked about it. I thought that the characters were interesting and unique from what I have seen in this genre before. Each of the characters had an issue albeit the male character, Emery was the main focus in the book. He is struggling with demons that only he can fight as he meets Cooper and they set off on their road trip. It doesn't take Cooper long to realize this and she seems to struggle with how to help him throughout the book. I really enjoyed learning about each if them as the story progressed. There were moments where I was frustrated with them, Emery more than Cooper, but I understood where he was coming from. It was interesting to be presented with Cooper and Emery's challenges and to watch how they coped. Cooper was the more positive character and she tried to see the good in life whereas Emery got weighed down by his. 
I enjoyed the story even though it was another love story set amid a road trip. I think that the characters and the purpose of the road trip are what made thus story different from others. We don't find out Emery's reason until later and I will say that it may not be what you think it is. 
I think that my only issue with the book was the pace of the main characters relationship. It seemed to move fast especially where intimacy is concerned. I wouldn't classify their relationship as insta-love  but I would have liked to have seen them slow certain parts of their relationship down.