Star Crossed (Battered Hearts #2) by Kele Moon

Star Crossed is just… WOW. I can’t even find the words. Since reading an excerpt of Star Crossed a couple of months back, I’ve been excited about this book. When I finally got my fingers on it, I couldn’t wait to get started. First off, the hero and heroines’ names are Romeo and Juliet and the book is called Star Crossed [star-cross’d lovers ;) get it?]. This could go either way: an amazing book or a really bad and cheesy one. It was AMAZING!

We first meet Romeo in Defying the Odds when he fights and loses against Clay, Juliet’s best friend. Romeo eventually saves Mel’s life in Defying the Odds and now Jules wants to thank him with dinner. This is pretty much were Jules and Romeo’s relationship starts. They keep in touch over the phone, email and skype for months until Romeo finally comes to Garnet.

I wanted to write this amazing review and find all the right words for this book but I don’t think it’s possible to describe the chemistry between Juliet and Romeo. It is off the charts! Star Crossed has some of the most tastefully steamy and romantic sex scenes I’ve ever read. There is no doubt that Juliet and Romeo belong together. While they do meet in secret, it never really feels like a secret relationship. Another part of the story is Romeo’s family and his past. Romeo’s brothers and partly he himself are involved with the mob. His brother Nova is actually quite important in the mob hierarchy. I quickly have to mention that Romeo’s brothers are called Casanova and Valentino. How amazing is that? I loved all those little details. While the mob is an issue in the book it doesn’t take over the romance and is rather kept in the background.

I recommend Star Crossed with all my heart. I did not stop reading once I started. This book is addictive! As and English lit major I’ve had to read Romeo and Juliet so many times. This is by far my favorite version!

Favorite Quote:
“You can get me in a cage anytime you want,” Romeo said confidently. “If it turns you on it turns me on too. Bruises don’t scare me. Hurt me, baby. I like it.”

Steffi

 

5 Spicy Stars!! O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?? He's in this book, and he's SCRUMPTIOUS!! I was captivated from beginning to end! My fan nearly blew up!! Yes, it was hot, hot, hot, but Jules and Romeo’s chemistry and the overall story is what made this read such a treat!!  Romeo and Juliet you say?? Maybe your rolling your eyes and snickering…well don’t, because it worked and it worked VERY WELL!!  I never once winced over the choice of names and when Romeo uses Jules’ given name…Juliet…YOU WILL MELT!!

“I’m not your enemy.” Romeo lifted his gaze to hers and studied her beautiful face under the bright Nevada sun. “Juliet.”

She gasped in surprise, her eyes growing wide. “I don’t—” She floundered. Her cheeks flushed pink as she narrowed icy eyes at him. “How?”

“That’s what Jules is short for, isn’t it?” he asked simply, refusing to look away. “Juliet.”

“I go by Jules,” she said rather than rise to the bait. For a brief moment it looked like she might reach over and snatch the card back. Her guard was obviously up, but instead of lashing out and rescinding the offer, she looked to his left hand that was wrapped in a white gauze bandage and sighed in defeat. “I’ll see ya at eight, Wellings.”

 “I go by Romeo.”

Ahhhhhhhhh *sigh swoon faint*!!!

The story starts off with a bang… deliciously steamy! Then it goes back to where Defying the Odds left off. So if you haven’t read the first book I strongly suggest that you read it before starting this one

Big bad hot MMA fighter, Romeo Wellings, is a terror in the ring, but he’s a gentleman outside of it. He’s self-assured, proud, but not arrogant. He’s loyal and very devoted to his brothers. Jules is feisty, an incredibly strong woman in mind and body, tells it like it is, and family and friends come first!! I had a huge girl crush on her. He’s city, she’s country, two worlds collide, but together they are PERFECTION!!

”She was a little too fit, a little too tall, and she probably intimidated most men because of it.

 Romeo was six-six and weighed two hundred and sixty-one pounds at his last weigh-in. Most women tended to wilt under him, but he could tell this one was different, and he found that decidedly enthralling.”

The heat begins early on, but it feels right, because Romeo and Jules are RIGHT for each other.  Raw passion, overwhelming need, their initial sexual encounter is EXPLOSIVE!!!

This is not just an erotic read; it’s about family and acceptance. Giving someone a chance, and understanding that sometimes the person that seems so wrong, can be so right! Compromise and working towards a common cause, especially where it concerns your family. And in the case of Wyatt… meddling, overbearing, pain-in-the-ass Wyatt…don’t assume, not is all as it seems…don’t jump to conclusions!!

The introduction of some new characters added another layer to the story. Chiuto”s an up and coming fighter, Casanova “Nova” and Valentino “Tino”, are Romeo’s younger brothers. Nova is edgy and protective and Tino is snarky and soft at heart, just like his older brother. I’m hoping each of these guys gets a book of their own. Of course, we catch up with Melody, Clay, and Wyatt, Jules’ meddling twin!

The book is fun, witty, sexy, and addictive.  It’s well written, the dialogue is plentiful, it’s extremely sensual, but appropriate considering the amazing chemistry that Romeo and Jules have.  It hit all the right buttons for me and it’s going to be hard to top this one as the series goes forward, but something tells me that Kele Moon is up for the challenge! 

We received this ARC copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Karla

*** Starting this weekend (7/7 - 7/13) we are running a week-long giveaway on Star Crossed. Also, we interviewed Kele Moon and you can see what she has to say about writing steamy scenes and what is next in the Battered Hearts series. Check back for a chance to win your own copy of this fabulously sexy and funny book! ***