Wer wir auch sind

American Royalty #1

by Nichole Chase

Du bist alles, was ich nicht bin. Und trotzdem will ich nur dich.

Die junge Madison will die Welt verändern und schießt dabei gern mal über das Ziel hinaus. Als sie nach einer Rettungsaktion in Polizeigewahrsam genommen wird, hat ihr Vater, der Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, endgültig genug. Maddie muss Sozialstunden ableisten - ausgerechnet bei Jake Simmon. Der Sohn der Vizepräsidentin und sie könnten unterschiedlicher nicht sein, doch seit einem schweren Unfall ist Jake nicht mehr der perfekte Politikersohn, der er einmal war. Er merkt bald, dass Maddie und ihn mehr verbindet, als er zugeben wollte - auch wenn sie so tabu für ihn ist wie niemand sonst auf der Welt ...

"Romantisches Prickeln, Herzschmerz und ein hart erkämpftes Happy End: Dieses Buch hat alles, was das Leserherz begehrt!" Jay Crownover

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Politics, Enemies To Lovers

416 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Author Bio:

Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule. For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs. Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, super hero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

Nichole is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Royal Series (Suddenly Royal, Recklessly Royal, and Reluctantly Royal). She has four other novels and several short stories published in different anthologies. Her next novel, The Accidental Assassin, will be available on November 4th.

Nichole Chase is represented by Rebecca Friedman of the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

A romance about the President’s daughter and the Vice President’s son. Maddie is an outspoken animal activist and Jake is a war veteran who always falls in line. After Maddie gets in trouble for breaking into an animal testing facility, she is put on tour helping out veterans. Jake and Maddie never really got along as kids, but as adults there is a spark between them.

Jake and Maddie embrace their feelings for each other, but when Jake receives bad news it threatens their relationship.




I enjoyed this book for the most part, it’s a sweet enemies, to friends to lover’s story with a few agendas written in. Definitely an interesting concept because of the political ties and scenarios. My personal reading tastes are what prevented me from enjoying this book more, I’m not a huge fan of sweet romance and everything tied together a little too perfectly in the end.

I do think many readers will love this book and love the story between Jake and Maddie, it’s one that I think will hit home for a lot of readers whose spouses have fought abroad and survived. May this book be a reminder to cherish those we love and to provide more to our veterans.

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

[FMABookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝Politics makes for interesting bedmates.❞

BEDMATES took me by surprise! What started out as sweet, cute and funny, enemies to lovers romance turned into an angst-filled, tearjerker. I didn't expect it and I loved it!

I loved the premise right away, the daughter of the U.S. President being wild and getting into trouble coupled with the angst associated with an injured veteran who just happens to be the U.S. VP's son --- it was a no-brainer that I would want to read it.

But the President's daughter, Maddie, doesn't make trouble for the sake of it, she is an activist. She cares about the rights of people and animals and is determined to help them. Which gets her in trouble sometimes because her means of doing so, isn't always well-thought-out. When she gets arrested for her latest "rescue attempt", her father insists on community service. He sets her up to help build homes for homeless veterans. Which for Maddie, isn't punishment at all. The punishment is that he has her working with the Vice President's son, whom she detests.

Jake had been seriously injured while serving his country. He had scars both inside and out. It was those that were inside, that were the most difficult to deal with. (He is one of two people who survived the incident and he blames himself.) But he is expected to hold his head high, and use his injury and service to help his mother in her campaign to be the next President. As such, to appease his mom, he agrees to help the RCVA (Returning Combat Veteran Affairs program) in building homes for his fellow veterans.

❝There was an unspoken need for me to not show weakness; for me to feel as normal as possible.❞

Soon, Jake finds out that Maddie isn't the bothersome girl of his youth, and Maddie realizes, Jake isn't the arrogant boy she used to hate. Together, they are fiery and steamy. Both wish to be 'normal". Maddie doesn't treat him differently, she stands up to him and his crap. Jake appreciates Maddie for who she is and what she stands for.

❝I'd never felt this way with another woman; as if we'd been made to fit together. it was like she'd been born just for me and I'd been a blind fool for years.❞

Okay, let me say, this book was so much more than I thought it was. While there were tender, sweet moments, it was also, deep and thoughtful. This author's writing is smart, engaging and as with the case of BEDMATES, quite steamy!

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review and did not influence my opinion of the book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review



Bedmates by Nichole Chase was a sweet political themed love story that took me by surprise. Wild child daughter of the US President and a the sexy confident son of the Vice President, who happens to be a combat vet. So can two American royalties find a common political ground in Washington DC?



The premise of the story of Maddie and Jake instantly had me glued to my kindle. I loved the interaction between these two as they both begin to see that they both have grown up. When Maddie gets in trouble, her father demands that she helps with a veterans program that Jake handles. Jake’s mother political ambition to be the next President tells Jake that he needs to handle this new program/bill for the Veterans since this is something that hits close to him since he too is also an injured combat vet. As Jake and Maddie begin to spend more time with each other, feelings begin to form. But as they get closer, a devastating news could tear them apart? Will Maddie be able to save Jake from his downward spiral? Or is this political American royalty relationship doomed?

I really enjoyed Bedmates since it took more of an emotional undertone of love, friendship, new beginnings, and healing. The connection between Maddie and Jake was fresh and cute to see as these two former friends began to see each other in a whole new light and perspective. So if you are looking for a romance that laces politics, family, and new beginnings then this book might be for you.

Nichole Chase

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "No one else matters..." Stars!

Bedmates is the first book I have read by Nichole Chase, and also is the first book in her new American Royalty series, and I have to say I was mightily impressed with what I read.



I have to be honest and say I am not a huge lover of having a side of politics with my romantic reading, but the good thing about Bedmates is that you pretty much leave the realms of believably at the first chapter, what with fictional state visits from made-up countries and Princes and Princesses as part of the book, the relationship between Jake and Maddie was definitely the main focus of the story, and not the politics.

Jake wasn’t the perfect, pristine boy anymore. He had grown and matured.

As you can imagine, America’s first daughter and the Vice Presidents war veteran son having any sort of relationship brings about complications, but at the beginning they are sort of ‘frenemies’, but as they are tasked to work together on a project to build homes for ex-soldiers with disabilities, it becomes obvious very early on that the chemistry between this couple is more than just snark, sarcasm and dislike.

"Your cheeks are red, Madlibs…"

"You just try to keep up Golden Boy."

Maddie has secretly been attracted to Jake for years, but she realizes that the guy she once knew is definitely not the one who returned from war, the external scars are not the only ones he is carrying, and as the story progresses and their relationship builds its apparent that he is not being open and honest about how everything is affecting him.

"I’m not perfect. I’m broken on the outside and the inside, but I’m getting better."

There are so many layers to Bedmates, yes there is a political aspect in that Jake’s mother plays a relevant part in their story, but I loved that this book focussed on them as a couple and how they dealt with the issues that got in the way of developing a meaningful relationship, in-spite of outside influence to their detriment.

"It would be nice to have a friend to relate to."

The other thing I loved about this book is the fact that the author didn’t rush Jake’s processing of things in the second half of the book, time is given and the dual POV from him and Maddie gave great depth to the times they are apart.

"You’re a little mean to me, but that’s okay, because you’re fucking awesome in bed."

Definitely an author I will be looking too read more from in the future, Bedmates was an outstanding introduction for me to Nichole Chase’s writing, and I cannot wait for more from this series.

"You’ve ruined me…"

ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS WAS GREAT! Super sweet! Lots of feels! I'm going with a 3.5 - 4 stars. Definitely recommended it for a quick, heart warming, sweet read!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book practically screamed my name. American royalty + wounded hero = Smack dab in the middle of Shelly's sweet spot.

For the most part - it did not disappoint. I felt all swoony over Maddie and Jake's story. It moved pretty quickly, but there were some pretty fantastic moments that allowed me to buy in. The banter is light and fun and the history that the couple shares lends credibility to how quickly their feelings formed. I was a little worried at the very beginning that I wouldn't warm to Jake, but in the end I liked both of them a lot and invested in their story.

That said, sometimes it fell a little flat for me. The dialogue went a little stiff, and the angst seemed like it was reaching for a place that didn't entirely ring true. I found the first half to be a little more guilty of this than the latter half - and it's not that it took away my enjoyment of the book so much as it pulled me out of the story, causing me to arch a brow in doubt.

Secondary character award goes to Puz who 100% captured my heart from the moment he was introduced in this story. I completely adored his secondary storyline and the role he played in Jake's life. In fact - Jake's character arch really struck a chord with me and, for me, was the most rewarding part of this whole story. There are some deeply emotional moments and it completely did justice to his character.

In all - Bedmates went a little deeper than I originally thought it was going to and I love it for doing that. I was thoroughly entertained and wonderfully swept away by some of the breathtaking moments between Maddie and Jake. Their story is a bit of a bumpy ride, but one I'm glad to have taken. ~ Shelly, 3.5 stars

[♡Julalicious Book Paradise♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I have added a new author to my favorite authors list.

**UPDATE SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2016**

Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise

This was the first book I ever read of Nichole Chase. I had bought one of her books at this year's Apollycon, but never got around to read it. I didn't know whether or not I would like her writing style or the story, but it called to me, so I was happy I got to read it. And even more happy when I fell head over heels with her writing and story.

Maddie is a character who could be your average young adult if not for being the President's daughter, but still, you can easily relate to her. She has beliefs and she isn't afraid to do whatever she has to do to make her point across, but she's also very impulsive and doesn't think through everything which ends up with consequences. People easily love her because she is natural; she won't hide her true self.

I liked her relationship with her father. I liked that he wasn't portrayed like a distant man, but like a man who sees the qualities and flaws in his children and instead of stopping them, simply shows them other ways to accomplish them. I liked that kind of President.

Jake's character is intense. I can't find a better way to describe him. He has seen so much in war and the aftermath isn't easy to deal with. He has a hard time opening up to this part of his life with Maddie who just wants to help him. He has a good heart though and he's the kind of guy ready to do anything for those he loves or those he believes need his help which is why I believe him and Maddie are perfect for each other.

His relationship with his mother isn't easy. She is the Vice-President, running to be President and she is more into politics than her own family. She isn't an easy woman and I had a lot of difficulties with her.

Maddie and Jake together were adorable. I liked how their relationship developped. It was the perfect balance between easy and hard. It didn't happen over night, but little time to little time as they spent more time together. They were what they needed to one another. Where she is impulsive, he's more cautious, but in their relationship, its just the perfect match.

A lot happens in this book and I don't want to spoil anyone, so I'll just say that you will go through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the book.

Overall, this was an amazing and quick read. The author's writing and the story will have you hooked from chapter one. I'm really looking forward for the next book in the series.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO NICHOLE CHASE, INKSLINGER PR and HARPERCOLLINS for giving me the opportunity to read and give an honest review this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★½
Bedmates was a surprise in a good way. I listened to the audiobook as a way to pass time, not really excited about the synopsis, almost letting the title expire back to the library catalogue...but there were some pretty complex themes incorporated that made me very glad I gave it a go. I have unintentionally read an overflowing handful of books lately about veterans and the aftermath of their combat experiences and Bedmates is another. I always applaud authors for showing the nightmare that some of these men and women face. Perspective and appreciation is a good thing. Lots of angst and romance, a bit of role reversal since we have a "bad girl" instead of the typical "bad boy", and lovely softening emotions. Check it out!

My favorite quote:
"Don't give up on being happy because of what might go wrong, because a lot could go right."

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.

I started reading this book way back in January and put it on hold for the longest time because I was in such a reading slump.

This was a nice and cute romance book. I did like that it touched upon PTSD which is a heavy subject and showed the effects that it can have. Overall, it didn't blow my mind, but it was still a good romance novel.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you first meet Maddie McGuire, you might think she’s just like every other college student who wants to make the world a better place. Her current situation, recently being arrested for breaking into a facility where they do testing on animals, puts her in a bit of a pickle. See, she’s not like other girls. She’s the daughter of the President of the United States of America. And her mistakes end up all over the news and cause her father a lot of embarrassment.

Jake Simmon has recently returned from Afghanistan with injuries that have forever changed him physically and mentally. His mother, the current Vice President and candidate for the Presidency, is determined to use him to her advantage in any way that she can. Jake, however has plans of his own and that’s to bring attention to the needs of other returning veterans.

I love book where characters have some history, it really adds to a story and makes quick reads like this one and the connection between the characters a bit more believable for me. For Maddie and Jake, there are some hard feelings on Maddie’s behalf and initially she finds it hard to forget what he did to her, but despite her anger and irritation with him, she finds that he’s also a bit irresistible. Plus the chemistry between Jake and Maddie was electric and I truly enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Chase writes some steamy and sexy scenes!

I actually really liked Maddie, she was warm and genuine with those she truly cared for. I loved her relationship with her father and would have really even loved seeing more of them together. Jake’s mom on the other hand… I can’t remember reading about a recent character that I hated more. Her biggest issue is what she sees growing between Jake and Maddie because despite who Maddie’s father is, she feels that she really has nothing to offer Jake.

Jake like I said, is pretty charming. He’s almost hard to resist, but he has some inner demons that he’s still trying to work through. I thought that Chase did a really good job of showing the effects of PTSD and she really didn’t sugar coat the issues that survivors and servicemen returning home have to deal with. A lot of it was heartbreaking, but a lot of it was very hopeful and great to read!

Overall a wonderful read full heartbreak and hope and a story that you maybe weren’t expecting. I know I wasn’t, but I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Chase.

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG people ...... THE FEELS!!

Let me tell you what I LOVE ... I love reading a story that is progressing nicely with warmth and feelings and then BAM, your heart is gutted and you're a blubbering mess ... you've been warned!

What attracted me to this story was the main characters. I mean we've all read stories of the first daughter/son before ... but I myself have never read a story where the leads were the children of the President and Vice President. And I was intrigued at the certain impending disaster that was sure to occur :)

Bedmates is going to surprise you. At least it did me. The story as a whole you will not see coming because it is WAY more than what you read in the synopsis. It has a depth and growth and layers that will sneak up on you and it is just SO well written! My first read by Nichole Chase but I will be stalking her from this point on.

Maddie McGuire is the first daughter. Trouble seems to be her middle name. But not for the reasons you might think. You see, she's an activist. She means well. She just maybe doesn't think things through as well as she should LOL Jake Simmon is the Vice President's son. He's home from the military trying to re-coop from injuries both physical and mental. He has serious survival's guilt and PTSD. These two are an unlikely pair, but they also fit perfectly together. They've known each other since they were children but it took them becoming adults to really see one another. And what they see they really really like :)

This book really captivated me. I couldn't wait to read what happened next and I really got invested in their relationship journey. It was very sexy and sweet and hugely poignant. Excellent job Nichole Chase! I cannot wait to read more and more ...

Copy provided for blog tour review

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not easy being the daughter of the President of the United States, especially when you are an independent young adult who happens to get into trouble every once in a while. Well, this time Maddie McGuire got herself in deep when is caught breaking into a lab that uses animals for experiments.

Maddie is given community service. Her service helping to promote a new program that builds homes for returning Veterans of War. Maddie loves the idea to help the veterans out but her chosen co-promoter is the perfect Jake, the Vice President’s son…the gorgeous never give her the time of day Jake.

Jake has just come back from Afghanistan and dealing with a battle field injury that has altered his life. The last thing he needs is the rambunctious Maddie by his side while he has to put on that perfect face for his mom’s political career.

Together Jake and Maddie find that they have more in common than they thought; that some things are worth fighting for; and there is a fine line between driving each other nuts and explosive passion.

Chase, once again, pens a tale of heart and home. Utterly cute and endearing romance that touches on some political hot spots that desperately need to be addressed.

I received this ARC copy of Bedmates from William Morrow Paperback in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 4, 2016.

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You know how it is. Politics makes for interesting bedmates.”

In D.C., politics is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Politics is everywhere! Growing up in the D.C. suburbs of Virginia, I could not help but live and breathe politics—whether I wanted to or not. Oh did I loathe the dishonest and dirty D.C. politics.

“Living in D.C. required the ability to see the strings attached to everything behind the scenes, the lies, and the manipulations.”

If showcased in a romance book, I can love and play politics night and day. Oh did I want to play with Bedmates, a politically-lit love story by Nichole Chase that made me want to parade into the White House wearing red, white, and blue. Intense and intoxicating, Bedmates is a politically-powered friends-to-lovers romance that harnesses the heart and sparks the soul.

From the very first page, I sank into this story, immersing myself where I quickly became intoxicated. I dove into Bedmates with a deep hunger and did not want to come up for air. I expected to detonate with desire. What I did not prepare for was for Bedmates to administer an assault on my heart where it was pounded into pieces. As a military wife, those pieces shattered even more, bleeding for broken heroes. Bedmates was what I expected yet it wasn’t; it was so much more.

Beautiful Maddie McGuire is the President’s daughter completing her last year in college with a strong passion for many issues including saving animals and the environment. It’s too bad that that passion seems to land her in trouble. Maddie is now stuck doing community service for veterans, serving alongside the Vice President’s son, Jake Simmon.

“Jake hated me and I wasn’t exactly his biggest fan.”

Jake, the boy who is now all man, has swayed from friend to enemy territory during most of Maddie’s teenage years. The scorching alpha is also a former Marine who has just returned from the war in Afghanistan after being injured in combat, a war that haunts him every day. Jake has been Maddie’s crush since she was a teen, and for him, the feeling is mutual.

“Maddie was infuriating, sexy, and so far off limits she might as well live on Pluto.”

Maddie is funny, flirty, and fearless, and not what you’d expect from a President’s daughter. Blunt and brazen, it’s refreshing to have someone in politics be completely free where she speaks her mind, carrying so much charisma that those can’t help but love her. I so wanted to hang out with Maddie…LOVED HER!

Working with her forever crush is one challenge that’s proving difficult for Maddie to ignore. Jake’s cockiness and playboy lifestyle gets under her skin, but Maddie sees the man beneath the mask.

“There was a darkness behind his eyes that made my heart ache, despite his pompous attitude.”

Jake won’t own his feelings towards the First Daughter, feelings he’s tried to bury for years. Even war in Afghanistan didn’t destroy that ache that surfaces for Maddie when she’s around. Oh does Jake want to scratch that Maddie ache.

“I wanted nothing more than to pull her into a dark corner, grip that perfect ass with both hands, and kiss her until she couldn’t think to tease me anymore.”

The all-alpha Jake is having a tough time reigning Maddie to his fantasies when he wants to ravish her in real life. Staying in the friend zone proves to be one race that Maddie and Jake may not beat.

“As his mouth danced over mine, fire ran through my veins. Everywhere he touched me came alive…I’d waited for this moment most of my life.”

Maddie doesn’t want to like the panty-melting hot playboy, but his dirty words bring out her inner wanton woman and his concern for her and others bring out more, whether she wants to admit that chemistry crashing through them or not.

“I want to touch you, taste you. I want to be inside of you. I want to watch you as you come. Can I have that? Can I have you?”

Holy HOT. Jake’s wanton-inducing words delivered involuntary thigh clenches that melted me everywhere. A fire blazed by body, burning me from head to toe where I melted like molten lava. This beautiful and broken alpha was my addition. Jake, so sexy and perfectly imperfect…I LOVED HIM!

“I let myself drink her in, drown in her. She was like a spring day after a painful winter.”

My scorching has morphed into swooning. I SWOONED HARD at this tough guy with a heart of gold though shielded by one wall of steel. Jake is broken but Maddie is the glue helping repair his shattered soul. Maddie sees not the injured Marine, but the real Jake. Jake doesn’t think he deserves a beautiful soul like Maddie, but he does. His soul, while broken, is just as beautiful.

"Maddie was the kind of woman you kept forever. And I wasn’t looking for that kind of relationship.”

As Maddie and Jake get closer, the past strikes hard like lightning, threatening their renewed friendship and budding love.

“Now that I’d opened Pandora’s Box and I wasn’t sure that I’d ever be able to close it.”

Politics tends to be fake but everything about this political romance felt REAL. My emotions entangled in this romance were REAL. I could not help but feel every word I read in Bedmates, words that reached inside and hitched themselves to my heart, tugging it the whole way where my heart stayed stuck in this story that stole my soul too. My LOVE for Bedmates was so much more than its title...it was…is…REAL.

First Bedmates bewildered me, this story instantly becoming the unexpected. Then Bedmates blazed heat through me as the passion from the characters melted the pages…melting me. Finally, Bedmates broke me where my tears bled onto the pages. Heartbreaking tears. Hopeful tears. Happy tears. This military wife bled for these broken heroes too, one of whom is still hijacking my heart along with the bewildering and brilliant Bedmates.

★★★★★ 5 politically-powered and perfect stars

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mehr auf: http://xobooksheaven.wordpress.com/

Inhalt:

Du bist alles, was ich nicht bin. Und trotzdem will ich nur dich.
Die junge Madeline will die Welt verändern und schießt dabei gern mal über das Ziel hinaus. Als sie nach einer Rettungsaktion in Polizeigewahrsam genommen wird, hat ihr Vater, der Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, endgültig genug. Maddie muss Sozialstunden ableisten – ausgerechnet bei Jake Simmon. Der Sohn der Vizepräsidentin und sie könnten unterschiedlicher nicht sein, doch seit einem schweren Unfall ist Jake nicht mehr der perfekte Politikersohn, der er einmal war. Er merkt bald, dass Maddie und ihn mehr verbindet, als er zugeben wollte – auch wenn sie so tabu für ihn ist wie niemand sonst auf der Welt …
Quelle: luebbe.de

Meinung:

Eine halbe Flasche Wein, schlechte Planung und das unangebrachte Bedürfnis die Welt zu retten: [...]

Das Cover mochte ich vom ersten Augenblick an. Es hat irgendwie etwas royales und dich schlichtes an sich und passt einfach wie die Faust aufs Auge. Keine Menschen, nichts, das eine schnulzige Geschichte erahnen lässt, solche Cover mag ich. Dadurch kann man auch ohne Vorstellungen der Personen in die Geschichte eintauchen und sich selber ein Bild machen.

Der Schreibstil der Autorin war wirklich sehr gut zu lesen, ich kam schnell weiter und war sofort in der Geschichte drinnen. Erzählt wird alles aus Sicht von Jake und Maddie, diese Perspektiven wechseln sich immer ab, dadurch bekommt man in beide Gedanken tiefe Einblicke. Auch die restlichen Beschreibungen waren ausführlich genug und dadurch konnte ich mir alles sehr gut vorstellen.

Gleich zu Beginn lernt man Maddie, die Tochter des Präsidenten kennen. Sie setzt sich für Tiere ein und bricht darum in eine Firma ein, um die Versuchstiere zu befreien. Das bringt ihr schlussendlich eine "Strafe" ein, bei der sie mit Jake, dem Sohn der Vizepräsidentin zusammen arbeiten muss.

Ich muss zugeben, ich habe nicht viel von dem Buch erwartet. Ich dachte es wird wie jede andere Liebesgeschichte, die sich mit Prominenten Leuten beschäftigt, oberflächlich und unglaublich kitschig. Ich lag falsch. Das Buch hat mich positiv überrascht und am Ende war ich traurig als es vorbei war. Der Einstieg in die Geschichte fiel mir leicht, Maddie mochte ich sofort, denn sie ist unabhängig und traut sich auch etwas allein zu tun und rennt nicht immer zu ihrem Vater, wenn sie etwas möchte. Sehr sympathisch, muss ich sagen. Recht bald kommt dann auch Jake dazu, es gibt bereits eine Hintergrundgeschichte der beiden, diese wird kurz angeschnitten und das wars dann auch schon, sie hatten nie eine engere Beziehung und mögen sich nicht sonderlich.

Was ich gleich positiv hervorheben möchte ist, dass die Liebe sich langsam entwickelt hat, es ging nicht zu schnell und es gab auch keine unnötig langen Dramen. Mit der Zeit haben die beiden einfach zu einander gefunden und sind dann auch geblieben. Jake ist kein Bad-Boy, sondern ein wirklich netter Kerl und Maddie sucht nicht den Streit, sondern versucht diesen so gut wie möglich zu verhindern. Solche Pärchen finde ich in Büchern immer erfrischend, denn alles andere gibt es schon en masse.

Ein weitere positiver Punkt ist die Handlung. Da Jake beim Militär gekämpft hat, leidet er noch unter den Folgen, er hat außerdem ein Bein bei seinem letzten Einsatz verloren, dies wird im Buch auch immer wieder angeschnitten, wenn ihm der Stumpf weh tut. Was hier aber gut ist, Maddie bemitleidet ihn nicht, sie behandelt ihn nicht anders als alle anderen Jungs und will ihn auch nicht versorgen.
Es dreht sich also viel um die Veteranen, das Projekt, welches Jake in Angriff nimmt und bei dem Maddie ihre Strafe abbauen soll ist ein eben solche für Veteranen. Die beiden bauen Häuser, in denen die Familien leben können und setzen sich auch anderweitig für sie ein. Durch eines dieser Häuser treffen wir auf Cyril, einen alten Freund von Jake, der ebenfalls im Krieg verwundet wurde. Zu sehen, wie sich die beiden behandeln, wie sie damit umgehen und was sie der Krieg gekostet hat war toll zu lesen, es fühlte sich richtig real an.

Maddie versucht indes auch ihren Gesetzesentwurf zu schreiben, der Tiere vor Versuchen schützen soll. Hier stellt sich Jakes Mutter, die Vizepräsidentin quer, denn es muss ja ein kleines Drama geben. Wie dieses eingebaut wurde fand ich irgendwie nachvollziehbar, seine Mutter möchte Jakes Ansehen nicht mit Maddies Machenschaften besudeln, sie denkt eben wie eine zukünftige Präsidentin. Hin und wieder kam es mir dann schon etwas dick aufgetragen vor, aber das war nicht allzu schlimm.
Ein zweites Drama hat sich am Ende des Buches eingeschlichen, dieses zeigt wie sehr die Medien die Wahrheit verfälschen und dass sie uns alles glauben machen können. Irgendwie fand ich das erschreckend, aber auch sehr gut geschrieben.

Ich habe aber auch einen Kritikpunkt. Auf diesen hat mich eine andere Teilnehmerin der Leserunde aufmerksam gemacht. Es wird immer wieder erwähnt, dass Maddie studiert, doch nie geht sie zur Uni, nie lernt sie und es wird auch nicht erwähnt, dass gerade Ferien wären. Das war dann doch zu unrealistisch und ein grober Fehler, meiner Meinung nach.

Von der Handlung selbst bin ich recht begeistert, es dreht sich um viele wichtige Dinge, wie Freundschaft, die Veteranen, die Tiere und Freundschaft aber auch um die Liebe. Dieser ganze Mix hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Auch die sexuellen Aspekte kommen bei diesem Buch nicht zu kurz und es gab eine Szene, da musste ich richtig lachen, weil sie einfach von erotisch zu witzig wechselt. Die Autorin verbindet Sex und Humor sehr gekonnt, sie kann intime Szenen toll beschreiben, diese aber auch durch lustige Kommentare der Protagonisten wieder auflockern. All das hat dem Buch etwas Reales verliehen, denn im echten Leben hat auch keiner Sex, stöhnt und schreibt und danach redet keiner mehr war, nein, auch im echten Leben gibt es blöde Kommentare oder witzige Situationen, daher gefiel mir das in dem Buch wirklich gut.

Das Ende war nochmal in ein kleines Drama und einen wunderschönen Schluss aufgeteilt, da dies ein Einzelband ist (Band zwei kann man unabhängig lesen) war das auch der perfekte Abschluss.

Fazit:

Obwohl ich nicht damit gerechnet habe, hat mich das Buch sofort in seinen Bann gezogen. Die Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen und auch die Charaktere waren nicht solch verwöhnte Schnösel, wie man es sich vorstellt, sondern sind sehr bodenständig geblieben. Für dieses Buch vergebe ich 4 von 5 Sterne.

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I need to admit that I am a Nicole Chase virgin, I had no idea what to expect from this novel. But I thought it sounded like a fun, enemies to friends kind of thing with some laughs and lightness and a little bit of drama and emotion.

Damn I should be sick of always being wrong but it feels like I keep getting some great reads out of my mistakes. This book started out sweet and funny and I loved the instant chemistry between Jake and Maddy, so much so that when Jake did someone stupid after we first saw them together I got a little pissed off and struggled to get into the story.


Luckily Maddy was such an awesome character that I didn’t put the book down in a big sulk because I wanted to see what was going to happen next for her. Maddy was a character I could really get behind, despite having literally nothing in common with her lifestyle I felt like I knew her well and I really did enjoy every moment of getting to know her.



Jake is a bit more complex. While I did like a lot about him and I did feel so devastated for everything he had gone through and the demons he was fighting I did have quite a few moments where I wanted to smack him in the face and find Maddy someone better. I loved that once he decided to claim Maddy he didn’t show any hesitation and he went out of his way to make her feel special and cared for.

But here comes the but. When shit hit the fan as it often does (guess it would be a pretty boring book if it didn’t) I felt like Maddy had too much to deal with alone. I get that Jake had his own issues he needed to deal with but I felt like poor Maddy deserved so much more than he gave. And while he did pull his head out of his arse I just felt like it wasn’t enough. But then I am a vengeful bitch so I expect a lot when it comes to making up for mistakes so maybe that is just me being a little too demanding.

Guess you will need to grab the book and meet Maddy and see if Jake was all that you would want for her and let me know.

Check out my reviews here

[Bex | TotallyBex.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take an enemies-to-lovers romance, throw in a dash of a forbidden relationship, add wounded war veterans and an adorable dog, and you have a pretty awesome basis for a story. Bedmates takes all of these things and combines them into a very sweet story that is sometimes heavy and heartbreaking.

Madeline is the President’s daughter who’s more free-spirited and rebellious than the perfection expected of her. She’s seen as an impulsive screw up after being arrested for her activism. Maddie loves her family, but she’s not a fan of the politicking and grandstanding that comes along with it. What she does know is that Jake hates her and now she has to work with him to make restitution for her arrest.

Jake is a wounded war veteran who is constantly traveling while helping his mother, the Vice President, with her returning veteran program. He’s constantly on the go for her dog and pony show. With all of his traveling, Jake has never dealt with the effects of the war and his PTSD is left untreated. Maddie was the last person Jake expected to help ease his suffering, but spending time with her becomes a necessity to his sanity.

I loved Maddie and Jake, both together and separately. They just have good hearts, are hard workers, and are genuinely caring people. Whether they are fighting for the better treatment of animals or people, their depth of feeling shows throughout the book. Their tension, banter, and good-hearted ribbing were entertaining.

I also enjoyed the “American Royalty” aspect of the story. Seeing how the children of politicians are raised, paraded around for photo ops and TV appearances, and expected to fall in line was eye-opening. Bedmates makes an excellent first book in this new series and I am looking forward to reading more from Nichole Chase.


▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.

▸ Order: Kindle | Paperback | Kobo | iBooks | Nook | Audible

▸ For more reviews, visit

[Katrin Schäfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

American Royals - Wer wir auch sind
von Nichole Chase
LYX
Cover:
Wirkt edel
Rezension:
„Sie entstammen den beiden mächtigsten Familien der Welt. Sie haben nur sich. Und doch können sie nicht zusammen sein. Jeder macht Fehler. Doch Maddie McGuires Fehler lösen meist mittelschwere Staatsaffären aus. Als sie für eine Nacht im Gefängnis landet, ist das Maß bei ihrem Vater - dem Präsidenten der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika - voll. Zur Strafe soll sie Sozialstunden ableisten - außgerechnet bei Jake Simmon, dem missmutigen (und unglaublich gut aussehenden) Sohn des Vizepresidenten. Der ist von der Idee ganz und gar nicht begeistert. Er und Maddie waren schon immer wie Feuer und Wasser, absolut nicht kompatibel. Und doch kann Jake den schmalen Grat zwischen Liebe und Hass nicht leugnen, der seit jeher zwischen ihnen bestand ...“
Dies ist das erste auf Deutsch übersetzte Buch der Autorin Nichole Chase. Die beiden Protagonisten erzählen im Buch abwechselnd in den einzelnen Kapiteln und wachsen dem Leser somit schnell ans Herz. Es war eine süße politische Liebesgeschichte, die mich überrascht hat. Die unbändige Tochter des US-Präsidenten und der sexy selbstbewusste Sohn des Vizepräsidenten. Endlich mal ein Bad Girl, anstelle des ewigen Bad Boys. Ich genoss dieses Buch wirklich, da es mehr von einem emotionalen Unterton von Liebe, Freundschaft, Neubeginn und Heilung brauchte. Die Verbindung zwischen Maddie und Jake war frisch und süß mitzuerleben, als diese beiden ehemaligen Freunde begannen, sich in einem ganz neuen Licht und einer anderen Perspektive zu sehen. Wenn Du also nach einer Romanze suchst, die Politik, Familie und neue Anfänge behandelt, dann könnte dieses Buch etwas für dich sein. Es passiert viel in diesem Buch und ich möchte niemanden spoilern, also werde ich einfach sagen, dass du während des gesamten Buches eine Achterbahn voller Emotionen durchmachen wirst. Insgesamt war dies eine tolle und schnelle Lektüre. Ich freue mich sehr auf das nächste Buch der Serie. 4/5 Sterne
Mein Dank gilt dem LYX Verlag und Netgalley für das zur Verfügung gestellte Exemplar.

[Beneath The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! . . . . a captivating and alluring must read!

American royalty + wounded vet = steamy and sexy love story! Bedmates hit the mark in all the right places. Intrigue, passion, turmoil...the unfathomable emotions just flow from the pages!

The chemistry between Maddie and Jake was perfect! Their shared history with each other made for an entertaining read, along with their banter and sarcasm. They both have something to prove in their own way. Maddie doesn't want to be known as just the President's daughter, and Jake is striving to be not just another wounded warrior. But when real life, and truth and consequences take center stage, can they each move past their mistakes and find a new life together?

This book isn't all roses and sunshine...it delves into the deep emotions, the mind, and the heartache of being in the public eye. And it's not just Maddie and Jake who battle with holding in the chaos of a life that will never be the same. This story was wonderfully written and takes on a lot of dark issues that can be controversial to write. But there's always light at the end of a dark tunnel. . .

Bedmates is an undeniable MUST READ! 5 Powerful Stars!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.* ~Kelly

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 19%

[Tonisbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ Es war mein erstes Buch von der Autorin und es hat mir gut gefallen.

Ihr Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm, locker und ohne viel Tamtam. Das Buch ist perfekt für zwischendurch und eine leichte Lektüre. Es behandelt auch einige ernste Themen, die allerdings nicht komplett vertieft werden. Die Charaktere sind sehr unterschiedlich und gut ausgearbeitet, aber komplett überzeugen konnten mich beide Protagonisten nicht. Obwohl es in dem Buch um Politik ging, stand diese nicht im Vordergrund, d.h. auch jene, die sich nicht für Politik interessieren, werden das Buch mögen. Es war wirklich nichts besonderes, aber definitiv unterhaltsam.

Leider hat mich das Ende aber extrem gestört. Es war ein pures Klischee und zu viel unnötiges Drama. Das hat mir leider nicht gefallen, weshalb das Buch gerade so 4/5 Sterne von mir bekommt. Insgesamt kann ich das Buch aber jedem empfehlen. ☺️

[AC Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re a bright star in a sea of black.”

OMG!!!! Just finished this baby in the blink of an eye. This book is not what I expected at all. It is SO SO MUCH MORE!!!! When I read the blurb, I had it in my mind that the story is like the Chasing Liberty movie starring Mandy Moore…. I know, I know… I am crazy! But anyway, the heroine and hero in this book are so much more mature and complex and the story is absolutely thoughtful and heartfelt.

Maddie is the daughter of the President so it is hard to do anything without the scrutiny of reporters. Maddie is beautiful, smart and passionate about animals and she will do whatever it takes to fight for their rights, including breaking and entering once in a while. Jake is a vice-president’s son. He is also a soldier returning from Afghanistan and broken in more ways than one. Jake lost his legs but survived while the rest of his teammates (except for one), lost their lives. Whatever actually happened over in Afghanistan is eating at him and Jake can’t shake the guilt. Maddie and Jake have known each other for a long time but their relationship has not been rosy. In fact, they can’t stand each other, or are they? Jake thinks Maddie is sexy, infuriating and so off limits. Maddie secretly has a crush on Jake – he is hot but obnoxious.
So when the vice-president asks her son Jake to head a volunteer effort to build houses for other veterans, Maddie was assigned to join him in an effort to clean up her image. The two are forced to work together and coexist. The relationship between Maddie and Jake was absolutely adorable. I really enjoyed the witty banters, the angst and the sweetness of their slow building relationship. The chemistry is undeniable. There were plenty of scorching hot scenes as well as the push and pull chase… sexy! LOVED IT!

“Most people don’t realize that the real damage is inside, where no one can see it. It’s not physical.”

What I like about this book is there is a deeper storyline than just a romance between the president’s daughter and a wounded soldier. When Jake received devastating news about the only friend left from Jake’s unit, Jake spiraled out of control. He is hurting and is not capable of dealing with his own demons. Jake is proud and stubborn though he does not accept help from anyone so he hurt Maddie deeply by pushing her away. This part of the story was quite emotional. It touches on the issue of PTSD, something that a lot of our soldiers deal with on a daily basis – unfortunately there is very little help and support for mental health care in this country. Bedmates was a fantastic read – emotional, heartwarming, sweet. I laughed out loud, I cried and I swooned. The hero is proud, strong but also loving, caring and sweet. I adore the heroine - beautiful inside and out, not the typical spoiled, privileged girl. I came to the conclusion that this story is not AT ALL Chasing Liberty LOL - Bedmates is full of heart, fun, warming, sexy, and unique. Highly recommended! 4.5 Stars!!!

ARC was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review!
Reviewer for AC Book Blog @ http://acbookblog.com

[Kelly Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved!

Full review can be found at Beneath The Covers Blog --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My FIRST book by this author and I absolutely LOVED and ADORED IT!!!

But now, how am I supposed to wait a WHOLE YEAR for the next book!!!! I need it now!!!!!

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bedmates is my first Nichole Chase book. It’s also the fourth “royalty” book I’ve read, in a row. Obviously, this theme is becoming quite a trend for 2016. One I won’t be complaining about!

Maddie is the president’s daughter, American Royalty by birth but free spirit and extremely empathetic by nature. She does not quite fit the political mold. She’s slightly wild and one ill thought out plan lands her in legal hot water. As an attempt to save a little face, daddy and his vice president hatch a plan for Maddie to serve her community service sentence by helping disabled veterans. Her babysitter throughout it all is the VP’s son, a disabled vet himself and a person Maddie has had a rough past with.

Growing up with Jake on their parents campaign trail was always a struggle for Maddie. She had a crush but Jake only saw her as an annoying obligation. Being forced to work together after years apart brings back Maddie’s younger insecurities but Jake dashes those fairly quickly by his endless attention and flirting. The flirting was a favorite aspect for me. It was cute but still sexy. I loved the banter and chemistry between these two.

Chase lets the relationship grow easily and naturally and I loved that. As Jake’s PTSD started to show itself to Maddie, I appreciated her calm approach to it all. Maddie is a very endearing character and Jake’s a heartbreaker…but not in the manwhore sense…in the sense that his history is sad and the guilt that guides his life is painful. Maddie will do anything to help Jake through his troubles but he pushes her away from that side of him and it honestly made me teary eyed at several points.

For all that I adored about Bedmates, the last 10% or so, had a fairly bid negative impact on my overall read. There was a point where it fell apart. Maddie became less grown up, less capable, less of the strong person she had grown to be throughout the story and I really could not get behind the idea she had planted in her head. The last chapter, where all the big important revelations and resolutions were written, was all too rushed. Had a little more been added to this part of the book, it would have been a much stronger book, in my opinion. It’s still a good read and I would absolutely pick up the next in the series, I just wished there had been more.

[Feyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im Krieg gab es keine Gewinner. Jeder, egal auf welcher Seite, wurde auf irgendeine Art verletzt.

Im Nachhinein frage ich mich wirklich, warum ich das Buch überhaupt in die Hand genommen habe. War nicht wirklich meine Geschichte und obwohl Maddie und Jake als Charaktere nicht übel waren, waren mir Tony, Cyrus und seine Frau sehr viel näher und mir nicht ganz so egal.
Warum dann immer noch drei Sterne, mag man sich jetzt fragen. Danach sah es lange nicht aus. Trotz des soliden Schreibstils hat mich die Geschichte nicht wirklich mitgerissen. Das Ende macht aber so einiges wieder wett, es wird spannend, die Charaktere machen eine Entwicklung durch und auch wenn das Ende sowasvon Cliche ist, hat das letzte Drittel doch noch den dritten Stern rausgeholt.
(Übrigens... Wenn hinten auf dem Einband steht, dass unsere Protagonistin Madison heißt, ist das eine Lüge. Maddie steht im Buch für Madeline. Und ich frage mich, wie sowas passieren kann.)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the summary for this book, it sounded like so much fun! I mean, she's the president's daughter who gets arrested and he's the vice president's son who she's forced to do community service with. I smell a yummy romance!

As the daughter of the president of the United States, Maddie McGuire can't afford to make a mistake. So when she's arrested for standing up for what she believes in, her father's people have to fix her image. Fast. After recently returning from Afghanistan and losing part of his leg, Jake Simmon has decided that the only way to please his mother, the VP of the United States, is to go in the public eye by helping build houses for veterans. He doesn't expect to have to work side-by-side with Maddie, who has definitely grown up since the last time he saw her. The two butt heads when they begin their work, but their passion for their work turns towards attraction as Jake deals with past demons and Maddie tries to understand what her heart and her head are telling her.

Oh, this book was SO GOOD. I've go to say, it started off as a stereotypical new adult romance that was more on the mindless, steamy side. But about 65% of the way through, something very serious happens that causes this book to take a very dark and emotional turn. I loved how Maddie and Jake were tested with their newfound feelings for each other that they were just starting to acknowledge.

What made this book so lovable was definitely Maddie and Jake's characters. Maddie was so passionate and headstrong and I loved how much she loved animals. It was cute how Jake came to the shelter with her and saw her soft side. Jake was such a gentleman and I loved how much we got to see his true self, especially how guilty he felt regarding why he had to leave Afghanistan. Definitely a lot of emotion, but also fun banter and some serious heat between our two characters.

Overall, Bedmates ended up being exactly as I expected and I couldn't have asked for more. I could have done without the stereotypical politician that only wants to get ahead and cares about image (*cough* Jake's Mom *cough*), but I loved our two strong-willed yet incredibly caring main characters who had intense chemistry and only wanted to help each other become better.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Bedmates Stars

I wanted more from the story I feel like if Maddie had been more herself like she was in the middle of the book I would have liked this book a lot more.

I liked Jake don’t get me wrong he was pretty awesome but he was a little whinny, he knew how is mother was yet he didn’t do anything until the end of the book. He HAD to have known his mother was going to get to Maddie once they started something.. Grrrrr MEN.

I loved the shelter part of the book I wished we had more of that, it felt like it was more of an afterthought.

And I loved getting Alex and Samantha <3 if you read this authors other series you would know who they are.. <3 Makes me want to reread their books again.

I like the narration just fine.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

[Luzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may contain SPOILERS!
I finished this book on friday already, but because I read this in a read-along, I had to follow the rules and could not write a review until today. So this was a rollercoaster book, let me explain. This book I read in three parts. Part One was extremely romantic and I fell in love with the characters, especially Maddie and Jake, the main characters. They also shared the most romantic of all first kisses, at least I think so. I was aslo positively surprised by the topics this book arose, such as the physical and psychological aftermath of a war veteran, and animal cruelty. Books of this genre often focus more on the personal aspect and less on the society-aspect and I enjoyed that very much. The second part was a little more difficult, because I felt like as the realtionship developed the author used a lot of cliches which made me not so happy and I went into a little slump. Fortunately the last part was again, a full sucess such as the first one and I ended up loving them even more also for their struggles which, as a couple, made them more vulnerable and tangible. Absolutely worth reading!
4/5 stars

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.

I first read this book waaaaaaay back in July. Yes, July. I just failed massively at writing my review at that point. I loved the book so much the first time around, I decided to buy the audiobook and read it again. I loved it every bit as much the second time around. The only difference is that this time I'm writing a review and sharing my feelings about it with you.

I've enjoyed Nichole's books so much in the past. When I saw the cover and read the blurb for this one, I was over the moon excited. There aren't nearly enough contemporary romance novels set in Washington, DC. (Or, if there are, I've not found them yet.) At any rate, I'm a total sucker for books that mix politics and romance — especially when they're set in my city. But what I loved most about this book is that it wasn't just politics and romance. I appreciated so much how Nichole approached PTSD in this book. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't glossed over. It was real and honest.

I really liked both Maddie and Jake — even if it took a little more time for me to truly fall for (and feel for!) Jake. I'm admittedly pretty tough on the heroes in my books and he made me mad early on. But... he more than made up for it later. I thought Maddie was a fantastic heroine. She had her flaws, sure, but she was also strong and determined. Jake, too, was flawed, but underneath he was dealing with horrors no one should have to live through. His time overseas in the military definitely shaped him and he needed help to move forward. Of course, he was also strong and stubborn, so it wasn't like he was going to ask for it. Thankfully he found a way to let Maddie in. They were both better because of what was building between them.

Friends to enemies to friends to lovers will forever be one of my favorite tropes. When I was first introduced to Maddie and Jake, I knew there was no way they would be able to stay away from each other for long. The pull between them was far too strong. There's no denying chemistry like that for long. Minus the thing at the beginning of the book, with Jake and the reporter, I liked how things progressed between these two. The romance was swoony. The sexy times were HOT. I fell for both characters along the way. And I got damn near pummeled with feels, too. But, I liked it. :)

So yeah, I've read this book twice. I enjoyed it both as an eBook and an audiobook. I thought the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. It was easy to imagine I was truly listening to Maddie and Jake. The pacing was great and the emotions came through the second time as strongly as the first time. There was definitely a point in which I was crying on a plane.

Bedmates was a fantastic start to Nichole's American Royalty series. (And fans of her Royals series might enjoy a cameo or two from beloved characters...) I'm super excited about this series and I can't wait to see what's next!

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Maddie was the kind of woman you kept forever.

The kiss wasn't rushed, wasn't abrupt. It was slow, lingering brushes of lips, as our breaths slid over each other. It was an intense, raw moment as we tested unknown waters and what we found only increased our determination.

"I like the way I taste on you, Jake." She pulled back and squeezed my shaft a little harder. "I like knowing what you did to me."

"Madeline McGuire, you're a bright star in a sea of black."

The kiss set every fiber in my being alight. There was something spectacular about how his touch made the rest of the world disappear.

My heart cried for every person that came home from war bearing this horrible truth. There were no winners in war. Everyone on both sides was damaged in some way.

[Rachmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It’s been a while since I read Nichole Chase books, Suddenly series, and I mostly forgot about it but it’s nice to meet two of the characters again here. And reading them again now made me want to reread the series.

It’s the story and the characters in the book that I made me really liked it, though. Not the appearance of Samantha and Alex D'Lynsal, though it didn’t hurt, far from it, to know that they are still in love and have a beautiful family.

So this is a story about the daughter of the President of the US, Maddie, and her love interest, Jake, the son of the Vice President of the US. I really liked both Maddie and Jake. They are lovable characters. I can really see that Maddie is a cheerful, helpful, kind and funny heroine while I didn’t have any problem to connect with Jake.

The story was told from two POV, Maddie’s and Jake’s. It’s a good choice, since that way we can see their story clearly, as there are things that they don’t tell to each other. Jake’s PTSD, for example. It’s clear since the beginning that he, being a veteran of Afghanistan war, suffers from PTSD. But he hides it well. Maddie suspects it yet he doesn’t want to acknowledge it. I can see and understand his reasons, but I’m with Maddie. I want him to tell Maddie, and me, about it. To be honest, it was a bit frustrating I didn’t see it much, not for the same reasons with Maddie, but because as a reader I felt like I will get to know and understand him more if I know about it more. So there was time that I felt a bit bored with both Maddie and Jake who keep dodging about it while I knew that there will be something bad happened with them.

But on the other side, I got to know that people can hide their PTSD well, just like Jake. Maddie and people who loved him don’t know he suffers from it while at the same time he needs their help. I think this part that made me more understand about PTSD, at the end of the page. And for that, I loved that Jake can show me well enough for me to understand him.

The story isn’t only about Jake, though. Maddie also has her own problems. I liked how she handles it. But I also wished that it doesn’t come that easy. Maddie keeps telling me it won’t be easy, I know it isn’t easy but it seems that it’s that easy. I don’t know…I just want her to struggling more, I guess. And then the way both Maddie and Jake handle all the protocols, both regarding the presidential thingy and when they meet a prince and his duchess. They make it less strict than what I think it should be. It felt like they aren’t the president’s daughter and the vice president’s son. Sometime I even forgot that they are with someone who supposed to be famous and such.

As a contemporary romance, I think this one is a nice reading. It has perfect formula for me; frenemies who fall in love, baggage for the character, funny moments, sweet moments from the main characters, nice supporting characters, it has all of them. So if you’re looking for light reading, I think you will like Maddie and Jake’s story.