"Love You Madly' is the second book in Tara Lain's 'Love You So' series and while I enjoyed the first one and liked that the MCs from that story made a bit of an appearance in this story but their role was't such that you'd need to read it before reading this one but it is a sweet story that makes for a light, pleasant read, however, I definitely enjoyed this one more and really it's not about one being better than the other...it's really just a case of this one appealed to me and I connected with it more.

Ben Shane has it all...not because he was born to wealth and privilege...which he wasn't nor was he born to poverty. Ben's parents have worked hard to have a comfortable life and in the process given Ben role model's that he wants to emulate. He's grown up in a home with parents who love him and each other, who have worked hard to earn the successes they've had and always wanted better and more for him so when he becomes engaged to Alan whose family are regulars on the society pages. On the surface it's everything that Ben's parents have ever wanted for him.

At 23 years old Dusty seems a bit unusual to the rest of the world...he doesn't drink or drive and he's way more diet conscious than the average 23 year old. Dusty also the sweetest young man you could imagine meeting but trust me this in no way makes him a pushover...oh no there's so much more to this young man than meets the eye. To say that I like Dusty is a bit of an understatement.  Dusty is a young man who in spite of the challenges that he's faced in his life has turned into a kind, sweet,  young man but also someone who can be strong and confident when needed.

Ben and Dusty made for an adorable couple and I loved that neither of them was trying to change they other but just wanted to spend time with and get to know each other for who they were.

My biggest issue and the problem that took away from this story for me was the length of time that Ben's ex was involved in the story because seriously this dude was annoying as nails on a chalkboard and I have to say that Ry Forest who was the narrator for this audio book captured not only 'Alan's annoying personality perfectly...nails on a chalkboard perfectly along with some of the other characters like Ben and Dusty but also the lovely Anastasia who was definitely a larger than life character and who without fail made me smile...I wasn't really fond of her laugh but that's life right, I mean really do any of us always like the sound of someone's laugh? No, I think not. I can honestly think of a couple of people I know who's laugh is worse  than Anastasia's so it is what it is.

'Love You so Madly' is my third time around listening to this narrator and so far definitely so good. I'm looking forward to future stories narrated by Ry Forest. I've enjoyed his narrations and while he hits all the basic check marks on my list of 'what I want in an audio narrator' I also find that as a narrator he imparts a feeling for depth to the characters making an enjoyable story even better.

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An audio book of 'Love You so Madly' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

READ AND REVIEW

BOOK 2:  LOVE HER MADLY BY CHRISTIE RIDGWAY

SYNOPSIS

Years ago, Rolling Stone magazine dubbed the nine collective children of the most famous band in the world “Rock Royalty.” Now all grown up, the princes and princesses are coming back to L.A.’s Laurel Canyon to discover if love can be found among the ruins of a childhood steeped in sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

“Bad twin” Bing Maddox has wanted his brother’s BFF Alexa Alessio for months, but he's stayed away because she’s too hearts-and-family for his jaded soul. Ever since a good deed turned to a dark regret, he’s buried his guilt in a series of forgettable flings with women who wanted nothing more. But when delicious Alexa needs a plus one to some upcoming wedding events, he gives in to his urges and goes all out in pursuit of getting her into his bed.

Alexa Alessio doesn’t know how it happened—one moment she was being smart and keeping herself separate from seen-everything, done-everything, wildly sexy Bing Maddox and the next she was agreeing he could be her date. Sure she wants back-up when her cousin marries Alexa’s own stolen ex, but Bing’s made it clear he wants her on her back. Her heart says yes—but her common sense tells her it might be the very thing broken when commitment-phobic Bing moves on. She can have him, but can she hold him?

BUY LINKS

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Madly-Rock-Royalty-Book-ebook/dp/B00NN2FDLI/

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-her-madly-christie-ridgway/1120390403?ean=2940150345751

Ibooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-her-madly-rock-royalty/id897950633?mt=11

Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/love-her-madly-rock-royalty-book-2

REVIEW:  LOVE HER MADLY BY CHRISTIE RIDGWAY

Love Her Madly by Christie Ridgway

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was introduced to the Rock Royalty series when I purchased Light My Fire (Book #1) from Amazon. I had read Christie Ridgway in the past and figured I would check the series out. Enjoyed it so much I knew I had to read Love Her Madly (Book #2). The thing that I enjoy most about this series is that the assumption that these characters live charmed lives is way off base. They have faults and have to face obstacles like everyone else. Bing has been labeled as the "bad twin" so long, he sees himself that way. Jumping from bad choice to sticky situations, it is almost as if he deems himself unworthy of love and happiness. Alexa is his one weakness. She has always held his heart. Alexa has the loving family that Bing has always dreamed of but she doesn't feel like she can measure up to the expectations of others. It is interesting that neither sees it, but they are the guiding light in the each others world. Love Her Madly is a magnificent story of pain, redemption and the healing power of love.

These are just some amazing books that are available for purchase.  I will have reviews up for these soon - keep watching for your favorites here on the blog!!

Everyone has their own coping mechanism, mine is to keep myself so busy I can’t think about it. Making lists upon lists of things that I want to complete. It is this sense of accomplishment, watching projects getting crossed off my lists, this propels me forward. Inside Emery’s house, everyone copes with life’s ups and down differently as her mom cleans, her dad works out, Angel puts on makeup, and Emery eats. Tipping the scale at obese, Emery eating has gotten out of control. Her parents try to influence Emery into a healthier lifestyle but Emery seems content with the way she is and her boyfriend Ben says he loves her the way she is. What would it take for 16 year-old Emery to lose the weight? How about a reality show where Emery is the main star and the family is offered a million dollars to document her weight loss story? Emery decides this might be the time to change her life. With only fifty days to lose fifty pounds, Emery must begin exercising and eating foods which have never passed her lips before. With her sarcastic humor and frank voice, I found Emery amusing and entertaining as she dealt with some serious issues. I appreciated how she jumped right in and struggled with her weight issue, voicing her frustration and she didn’t pass the blame or deny the problem. She was real and she tells it straight from the heart. Food may seem like the only issue out on the table but there are other problems that correlate once she starts to address her weight. I love the title and I am reminded, just how skinny is skinny?