3.5

Book 3 & 4 much better than #2.

While I didn't 'LOVE' it, I did enjoy it. ( )

Interesting reads... this serial caught my attention, and I enjoyed it, but it didn't absolutely blow me away. ( )

"She couldn't have known love without heartache. He couldn't have found solace without pain."

I am so sad to see this story end, and having to say goodbye to Erin and Blake ... well, it was quite an unforgettable journey. I read the first book in December 2011, and when the second book released in May 2013, I was surprised that I remembered the first book quite well. As short as the first story was, it stayed with me. Erin and Blake were unforgettable. That love for their characters continued on with each subsequent release.

Erin and Blake agreed to separate for the remaining few weeks until graduation. Despite their longing to be together, they had decided to be prudent and not let the risks of their relationship being discovered tarnish their future. They are both more secure in their love and in their trust of one another. My heart soared for Blake and his new found confidence both in love and his teaching. Once again, he treated us to more insight into his astute mind with analogies during his lectures. The way he made his students think, speak up and assert themselves with a little reverse psychology was simply brilliant. While his life seemed to be taking off, Erin had a family crisis to deal with. The moment Erin realized that needing his comfort during a crisis didn't equal weakness was a huge step for her, and Blake went above and beyond to be what she needed without pushing. Being able to meet Erin's mother and see where Erin grew up was also sobering for him. He finally realized what he'd ignored all along - her vehemence that his looks never played a role n her feelings.

The love scenes were still off the charts hot. Blake made love with abandon and a hint of desperation that gave me full body shivers. Through him, Erin came alive. She really was the light to his darkness. The maturity they displayed in dealing with their (unconventional) relationship was one of the best I'd read in a long time (see book #3).

If you haven't read this series yet, you're depriving yourself of a very romantic love story. I didn't feel like their story moved too fast, nor was it unrealistic. Their individual hangups and challenges made them perfect for one another. This series was beautifully written and touched on almost all the fears a (jaded) couple could face in the early stages of a new relationship. I hope the author may one day surprise us with an epilogue of sorts. I'd love to know where they ended up five years down the road. Like I said, not ready to say goodbye.

I consider this series a Top Pick because their story is not only very memorable and extremely sexy, but I could read this series many times over and never tire of it. In fact, I already know I will revisit them again for years to come.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review. ( )

The last installment in this series was a bit of a let down. Nothing really happened and the trouble mentioned in the blurb isn't really trouble for those two but more of a short delay to their HEA. ( )