FMR Book Grind: BLOG TOUR, REVIEWS & GIVEAWAY ~ Never Been Ready by J.L. Berg

Book title: Never Been Ready by J.L. Berg

Series: Ready #2

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 4, 2014

Leah Morgan was done with men. After barely surviving a horrendous childhood, and a boyfriend who bailed when things got rough, Leah had given up on love. Then she met him, Hollywood’s new golden boy who suddenly had eyes only for her. She tried to convince herself that one night couldn’t hurt, but after six months, the memories of his mesmerizing gaze and searing touch still invaded her every thought.

Declan James had just one rule when it came to women. Keep it simple, and never linger. That all changed the moment he met Leah. Even across a crowded bar, he could tell she was different. Sweet, with just the right amount of sass, she made him break his golden rule and now he couldn’t walk away.

When casual becomes anything but, and emotions run deep, will Leah and Declan fight their fears, or let old insecurities tear them apart? When Declan’s past comes roaring back in a way neither of them could have expected, will they stand united or be torn apart by the challenges that lie ahead?

It was only supposed to be one night, but only forever will do.

After reading When You’re Ready by J.L. Berg I think you would be hard-pressed to find someone who not just fell in love with the main characters, Clare and Logan, but also Clare’s outspoken and lively best friend Leah. I would even dare to say that I might have actually liked Leah more than Clare. Leah is a speak your mind, take no prisoners kind of girl that is blunt, unabashed and hilariously funny. Never Been Ready is Leah’s turn. It is a refreshing spin on a popular theme as well as a fun and delightful story of two loveable, unsuspecting characters stumbling into love.

I really loved that this wasn’t your everyday, run of the mill movie star meets small town nurse love story. Instead this is the story of a one night stand that leads to a no-strings attached agreement that sneaks up on both Leah and Declan when they realize their relationship has unintentionally escalated into much more. Declan isn’t your stereotypical egotistical movie star either. Although he is not looking further than the next night with someone he is really a simple guy that unknowingly deep down just wants what everyone wants, to find and be loved.

Both characters were engaging and loveable. I really enjoyed the older, 30ish characters and that there were children involved. There were also a few nice plot twists that gave Never Been Ready an interesting turn and kept my interest. It seems J.L. Berg loves to throw in some last minute drama as well so just when you think the story is winding down into a nice neat happy ending things are usually shaken up a bit.

As this book takes place between the end of When You’re Ready and the epilogue it is wonderful to witness some of the events in Clare and Logan’s life that were a bit glossed over because of the two years that elapsed during that time frame. I love to revisit the characters from previous books in a series and there was a whole lot of the Matthews family in this story which was really great. Because of this though, if you have any inclination to read When You’re Ready at all I would definitely recommend reading it first as there are no surprises in their story that isn’t touched upon in this one.

Overall Never Been Ready was sexy, surprising, sassy, and sweet. It was both amusing and touching and as I seem to enjoy each of J.L. Berg’s stories more than the last I am excited to see what is to come with Garrett’s mysterious story, Ready For You.

4.5 stars!!!

~Review by Michelle T.

Now the next review from Feifei is of a lower rating; however, the book was still enjoyable to her with some things that derailed her from completely loving it.

Well I was wrong. I took a look at the blurb – heroine gives up on love, Hollywood golden boy, womanizer changes ways for said heroine – doesn’t this sound like something I’ve read only 1000 times already? Though the book is based off of an overused and regurgitated premise, the earnest and genuine love Declan and Leah have cannot be denied and no matter how much I tried to be my normal cynical self, it was impossible to NOT fall for these characters.

“That kiss has left me awe-struck. It was earth-shattering in its simplicity, mind-numbing in its intimacy, and completely raw in its emotional depths.”

Leah’s had a shitty childhood. Her dad gets the nomination for asshat of the year and after having her boyfriend bail on her when she needed him the most, Leah no longer has faith in men. She’s naturally kind-hearted nurse and a fun friend to have around, and loyal to a fault.

Declan got burned by love in the past and has no intention of letting it happen again. Dubbed as Hollywood’s golden boy, he’d rather direct movies than act and covets his privacy. Rule #1 is to never go back for seconds until he meets Leah.

Their relationship goes from sex buddies  friends  boyfriend/girlfriend  LOVE!!

Why not 5 stars then?

Here’s what I didn’t like:

1. 'Hotshot' nickname. It’s endearing but overused =_=

2. Predictability of the storyline. Honestly I predicted everything that happened in the book so that took away from the thrill of reading something unknown. There was this nice little twist around the 70% mark that got my full attention but other than that it’s nothing I haven’t read before.

**Number 2 is what clinched it as a 3.5 rating rather than 4. Until the “revelation,” there were many times I was tempted to put the book down and read something different. In other words, predictability equates boredom. Nevertheless, the author did manage to take a popular theme and mold the story into her own.**

Regardless, I am ready for book 3, which is Garrett's story.

3.5 stars!!!

~Review by Feifei

Book 1 When You're Ready is on sale!!

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

Book 2 Never Been Ready - NEW Release

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

J.L. Berg is a California native living in the South. She's married to her high school sweetheart and they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a romance book, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.