A spin-off from the best-selling series Something So comes a whole brand of crazy & wild love stories.VivienneNever fall in love.That was my motto, and I was sticking to it.Having my heart broken once was enough, and I never wanted to do it again.He was supposed to be a one-night stand, the only thing I do.One rule shouldn’t be so hard to follow, but then I went back for seconds, then thirds. be so hard to follow, but then I went back for seconds, then thirds.
After that, I lost count of the number of times I lost myself in his arms.
When I wasn’t paying attention, my guard slipped.
Mark
They call me Private Mark for a reason—my whole life is a secret.
For two years, we danced around each other until I got her right where I wanted her … under me.
Now that I had her, I wasn’t letting her go. I thought we were on the same page.
I thought we were building something great.
Boy, was I ever wrong.
I had no idea that while I was falling in love, she was trying to convince herself we were temporary.
She thought I’d walk away.
She was wrong.
Now it’s time to convince her she wants us too and to show her that the crazy, wild thing we have … This Is Love.
more
Markos, Mark, PM (Private Mark) is now one of my favorite book boyfriends! Seriously Ladies, this man is perfection. He’s such a great guy, they don’t all have to be jerks to fall in love with them. There truly are gems out there and that is what Natasha gives us with This is Love. What Mark does to gain Vivienne’s attention will have your heart melting. He’s respectful, not a manwhore and doesn’t go around bragging about previous conquests. He’s quiet, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a voice when he wants to use it. Don’t be mislead, he’s one hell of an alpha male and I can guarantee you will be fanning yourself during the sexy times. He’s IN CHARGE
I loved getting to know Vivienne better. Her sass, spunk and no filter attitude was downright hilarious. The banter between her and Karrie had me laughing in tears I almost couldn’t see what I was reading. Vivienne acted tough, but she was definitely vulnerable. I loved watching her slowly let her guard down with Markos. The two of them together was pure fire and they complimented each other so well I was smiling right along with them!
I loved their story, yes I suggest you read it. I would also recommend reading the first two books in this series. You don’t have too, but I love all of these characters and feel like they’re my crazy family.
THIS BOOK! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!
I can’t even explain every feeling I had while reading it. So so good!
Every time I start a book from Natasha Madison, I can’t put it down. It almost seem as the time fly away as I read, because I get so immersed in the story, so enthralled by the characters, that I don’t even take perception of the time flying away!
This Is Love, is definitely one of the best I read this year.
Expect a lot of funny situations and be prepared to laugh out loud all the time, because Vivienne upped her game in a way you are just not expecting and Mark will surprise everyone! Oh yeah he will!
Mark is just phenomenal! OMG what a man! In VERY SINGLE ASPECT YOU MIGHT THINK ABOUT!
And Vivienne is this crazy, beautiful woman that makes you fall in love with her by just being herself. She’s the most funny character I’ve read in a long time!
Their story will bring a lot of emotions out of you. It’s not just a love story; it’s funny, sexy, emotional, so romantic that will make you swoon all the time!
Then don’t forget the rest of the family! The crazy family I would love to belong, because they are my kind of people. I love them so much and I wish their story never end!!!
READ THIS!!!
Oh how I loved This is Love! If you love sports romances then you will absolutely adore this series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but these characters will suck you right in and it’s so fun to know all the backstories. I’ve been looking forward to Vivienne’s story and was anxious to see if Natasha Madison could create a character who would match sassy, bold, gorgeous Vivienne. Boy did she ever! Mark is not only a smokin hot, smart, talented hockey playing businessman, he’s a sweet, family oriented alpha who is strong enough to tame the serial dater who never wants to fall in love (again!) and settle down. I highly highly recommend this one!
This is Love is the third and final book in the phenomenal This Is series by the extremely talented Natasha Madison, and what a finale it is!!!!
This is Love brings us the one thing we’ve all been ever so patiently waiting for since we first met her in Something So Perfect, Vivienne’s Happy Ever After.
But being Vivienne’s story, we just know it’s not going to be an easy ride, whoever the lucky guy will have his work cut out for him, and boy does he ever!
Vivienne made a vow to NEVER fall in love again, remaining in control and only giving enough of herself to a man before moving onto the next, until she met HIM.
Mark, or PM (Private Mark) as his teammates called him, only really had time for casual, his team finally winning the cup being his main focus.
When the two of them literally bump into each other, the chance meeting sparks something that neither of them expected. But will Vivienne concede to Mark, or will she blow the whistle and end the game before she gets her heart broken once more? Will Mark convince her he’s worth taking a risk for?
I honestly can’t praise this series enough. This is Love was the perfect way to end this series, Vivienne and Mark’s story had me swooning from the first chapter, especially after the emotional prologue.
But as well as all the swooning, there was some intense, emotional and gut wrenching scenes in this book that left me a complete blubbering mess! Tie that in with the total girl power moments and Vivienne’s hilarious sense of humour and you have romance at its finest!
This series is without a doubt my favourite of 2019. I’ve always been a huge fan of Natasha’s writing and have loved everyone of her books. But this series right here? She has hit a whole new level of talent with these books.
I want to give this book 10 huge sparkly stars!!!!!
But for bookbub purposes I’ll give it 5/5!!!
This is Love….. has made it into my favorite all time read shelf. Vivienne and Mark’s story was everything we hope in a romance story. It has incredible complex characters. It makes you laugh, cry and feel whole at the end.
Natasha Madison continues to be one of my favorite authors. I love how she tells a story. I love the connection she creates between her books. They can be read as standalone but when we read them and understand their connections, it is perfection!
Vivienne and Mark give all the feels. They are drawn together but she builds the wall around her because of her past. He just wants to love her!!
I love the relationship of Karrie and Vivienne- true best friends!! I love Mark and his relationship with his parents! I love Mark’s dad and the incredible advice he gives his son about love!
I absolutely felt so much reading this book. I couldn’t put it down, I was completely addicted!! It will be a re-read many more times in the future!!
Thank you Natasha for giving us books to read that allow us to feel for the characters and make us better people in life!!
5 stars!
OMG, YES! What a fantastic read! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, and honestly with such a bold and out-there heroine, I was a little bit scared, but it’s so, so good! Funny, sexy and romantic with just the right amount of feels, Vivienne’s long-awaited story is fantastically fun, heartfelt and swoony, with a hero to die for, and I loved it!
Vivienne has been a fantastically entertaining side character in both the Something So and the This Is series. She is best friends with Karrie, who married Matthew in Something So Perfect, and she has been the rude, crude, and totally unfiltered girlfriend to the girls in the series with her unsolicited advice, oversharing and her loud and proud commitment to singledom and no-strings sex. It’s because of this that I was nervous about this book, that it may be a bit too ‘much’ being in Vivienne’s head so much (better in small doses perhaps?), but no! This book introduces us to a different Vivienne and we see why she is the way she is, and getting her perspective we see her softer side, and from the first moment I was completely invested in her and her story.
There was something going on between Vivienne and Mark in the last book of the series, and this book was so cleverly tied in! Enough to have fangirls like myself eagerly watching background events and basking in the cleverness of it all, but all without giving spoilers. So, you can read this one as a standalone, but of course you’ll enjoy it more if you’ve read the previous books and know all of the characters and their dynamics.
Mark is the goalie for the New York Stingers – the NHL team that the boys of this series play for. He is nicknamed Private Mark because he keeps to himself, doesn’t talk much and, outside of their games, keeps himself somewhat separate from the rest of the team. I loved getting to know him and learn who he is, and OMG, he is just the perfect hero for Vivienne! He’s sweet and kind, super smart and has himself completely together. He’s a relationship guy, and he knows what he wants, and that’s Vivienne.
It’s a wild ride for these two, starting off with wild, hot, mind-blowing, life-changing sex. The sexy time is hot and steamy and there’s plenty of it (honestly… how is her vagina not broken?), and it reflects the mad chemistry between Mark and Vivienne as they completely fall under each other’s spell.
“I’m old-fashioned,” I tell her, and she raises her eyebrows, “but not that old-fashioned.”
“Old-fashioned?” she questions me. “Does that mean you do all the work?”
“What fun would that be?” I tell her and lean forward softly. “Nothing sexier than watching a woman ride.”
It’s a brand new situation that Vivienne finds herself in, and though she’s completely swept up, she’s a little bit clueless about what is happening between them, and it leads to lots of laughs.
“He kissed me,” I tell her.
“Okay,” she says. “You’ve kissed other men.”
“Yes, but this one was different. My stomach did a thing.” I put my hand to my stomach, and just thinking about the kiss makes the same thing happen again. “Little flutters.”
“Oh my God,” she says.
“I think I caught something from the kids. I’m going to check my temperature right now,” I say as I got into the bathroom and get the thermometer. “Maybe I caught the bug.”
“Yeah, the love but,” she says, laughing, and I roll my eyes.
“Can you be serious for a minute? I might be dying. Maybe I have a tumor.”
But despite their attraction and their oh-so-obvious sexual connection, they both want different things. Vivienne has sworn off love, and she’s prepared to walk away, but Mark isn’t about to let her. He is patient and smart, he’s prepared to fight for her and he’s confident enough to do whatever it takes to lead her there, and I loved watching them work through it all!
“Do you ever just give up?” she asks, and I turn and face the wall again. “And say fuck it.”
“The endgame is that much better if you fight for it,” I tell her … “Getting that prize and claiming it,” I say, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Holding the prize in your hands, there isn’t another feeling out there.”
There was the potential for great angst, and yes, there was a little bit, but it was perfect! Just enough to add a bit of drama and have me madly flipping my pages, buzzing with anticipation of what was to come, and never to the point where I was frustrated with either of the characters and wanted to start hurling my kindle across the room. It’s realistic and heartfelt and it builds the feels, and ultimately had me grinning and swooning madly.
“I love you … Like love, love you. Like my world would shatter without you.”
As always, there’s some character crossover – mostly with Matthew and Karrie – and much as I love the romance in this book, the relationship between Vivienne and Karrie is also a highlight. These two are so incredibly close, and are completely open and honest with each other, and their back and forth had me laughing out loud so many times!
“He is the best I’ve ever had. Hands down the biggest I’ve ever had.” My brain is telling my mouth to stop, but I can’t. “Honestly, I thought my vagina would be bruised.” I start to open my legs to show her, and she yells.
“I don’t want to see your bruised vagina, woman!” she yells while she turns her head and puts her hand in front of her face.
“I’ve seen four human heads come out of your vagina, and you can’t look at mine?” I stand, putting my hands on my hips.
This was such a fun read! I loved the banter and the out-there, no-nonsense nature of the characters. I loved the dynamics, the passion, the humour, the emotion and the romance, it’s a great finish for the series and I loved it.
5 stars!
5 She’s Been Bitten by the Love Bug Stars!!!
I’ve literally been waiting for Vivienne’s book since she first appeared in the Something So Series as she’s Karrie’s best friend. I love her so much! She says exactly what’s on her mind no matter if it’s appropriate or not and there are some definite snort worthy laughs I’ve experienced because of her. In this book, not only did I laugh till I cried, but my heart swelled with emotion for this woman because we get a true look at what has made this woman who she is when it comes to love. She’s also been hiding something from everyone even her bestie…she and Mark, aka PM, aren’t exactly strangers!
And oh Mark!! He’s got so many layers to him and because he’s so private no one knows really knows or understands him off the ice, but he’s willing to change that for Vivienne, slowly but surely she’s going to cave to his feelings for her and those she has for him…..
“He kissed me, I tell her. Okay, she says. You’ve kissed other men. Yes, but this one was different. My stomach did a thing. I put my hand to my stomach, and just thinking about the kiss makes the same thing happen again. Little flutters. Oh my God, she says. I think I caught something from the kids. I’m going to check my temperature right now, I say as I got into the bathroom and get the thermometer. Maybe I caught the bug. Yeah, the love bug, she says, laughing, and I roll my eyes. Can you be serious for a minute? I might be dying. Maybe I have a tumor.”
Vivienne definitely gives Mark a run for his money that’s for sure. I adored their “courtship” for lack of a better word because he’s been waiting to make her his in every way possible and that right there is one of the reasons why he’s perfect for her, he KNOWS the end-game of having her for forever is worth the work he’s putting into making her his. It’s definitely not a smooth glide to their HEA.
Because he’s so private, no one really knows these two are an item and watching their reactions tickled me because who knew these girls had the ability to keep secrets from their men. Speaking of which, one of the things I love most about Ms. Madison’s writing and her stories is the secondary characters that come in from previous stories. It just adds so much more emotional hot spots in this story especially Karrie and Matthew.
What it all comes down to is that the wait was totally worth it to get Vivienne’s story. This woman is full of layers and over the previous books we’ve seen them all and in this book they’re slowly peeled back and seeing her find the love she’s always desperately wanted but thought she didn’t deserve was stunning even if it was painful at times!!
This is Love by Natasha Madison is the next book in the This is series which is a spinoff of the Something So series. I just love this series so much. The writing grabs you in, the characters stick with you and you just want to be in their world.
This is Love is Vivienne’s story. She is the no filter best friend of Karrie. There was so much more to her than we previously thought from the previous books. Hurt from a previous relationship, Vivienne had walls put up as high as can be. She didn’t do relationships. Enter the goalie, Markos and Vivienne would never be the same again.
They have an instant chemistry and connection. And don’t forget the fun wooing! Natasha wrote some really fun dates and surprising that will bring a smile to your face.
Another great part of the story is the friendship between Vivienne and Karrie. Friends who are more like family.
Seeing Markos get into Vivienne’s heart & feel away her insecurities and fears will warm your heart. You cannot help but to fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other.
Let me tell you that my girl crush for Vivienne is very real people. I needed her story like I needed air. She captured my heart from the very beginning so having to wait for her story was sheer torture. So when it landed you could only imagine my excitement….It resembled a child on Christmas morning, so much so that my family thought I was losing my mind!!! But hey a girl can crush right?
Anyway, getting back to This Is Love….
Guys I’m in absolute love.
Vivienne’s story was perfect in every way.
If you know her, then you know her story would naturally come with LOL moments, crazy scenes and one liners, because let’s face it the girl is a crack up, but what I never in a million years expected was a side to Vivienne that hurt my heart. Vivienne’s pain and vulnerability, hurt and torment, it was soul crushing to see a vibrant, free spirited Vivienne that I grew to adore in every way could be plagued with torment that it clouded her future. It was hard to read, but I am so glad I did.
And let’s not forget Mark….Man this guy was all kinds of absolute amazing with a heart the size of Texas and yep I am putting my hand up….It was instant love for me.
Vivienne and Mark’s story guys was like no other. Full of heartbreaking and confronting moments, breathtaking and heart-stopping scenes, the LOL moments, the one-liners, the hilarity, the cheekiness with a whole lot of naughtiness, the tender feel moments, the agonizing and difficult times…..This Is Love had it all and I couldn’t have imagined Vivienne and Marks story any other way. It was simply perfect for these two….
And I would like to mention Elsa.
I can’t even….
What an absolute delight!
Vivienne you will stay with me always. You rock sister and I am going to miss you!
An absolute 5 star read
Ok Natasha Madison has done it again the genius writer that she is made me fall in love with her words along with that characters . This is love is my favorite in the This is series it’s book three and can be read as a standalone I would recommend that you read them in order but it is not required. Mark is just amazingly swoon worthy that man just does it for me he hit all my buttons and according to the heroine he hit some of her buttons too if you know what I mean . Ever since Vivienne was mentioned I couldn’t wait to to get my hands on her story because if any needed a happy ending it was that sassy vixen everything about her screamed perfect heroine adored her as a character . I can’t wait to read more by Natasha Madison she always makes my readers heart happy when her stories land in my kindle .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10
Chemistry=10 steam=7 romance=7
humor=4 darkness level=2 action=2 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =10 Stars =5
Is this part of a series =Yes
Can it be read as a standalone =Yes
would I recommend this book=Yes
would I re read this book= Yes
would I read future books by this author=Yes
First of all let me tell you I literally laughed out loud in parts of this book! You know where your husband and kids ask you what’s so funny, you just point to your kindle and they shake their head kind of funny!
I loved that Vivienne was a take charge kind of woman. She knew what she wanted, she took it and didn’t feel bad about it. Then she met Mark and everything changed. Could she open her heart to Private Mark after all of this time of playing it safe?
Mark is such a sweetheart and will make your heart go pitty patter and I wanted to give Vivienne a hug! Loved this book!!
I’ve been waiting for Vivienne to meet her match and This is Love didn’t disappoint.
Vivienne is bold, feisty, fun, sassy and strong. She has a tendency to say exactly what’s on her mind, without caring if it’s rude, crude or inappropriate. In This is Love she meets her match, who takes her completely out of her comfort zone and I loved seeing her out of her element and not completely in control. Her over the top personality hides some deep vulnerabilities and insecurities that make her not only more likeable, but relatable.
Mark is the opposite of Vivienne, whilst she’s vivacious and flirtatious, he’s private and reserved. He’s the Goalie for the New York Stingers, incredibly intelligent, sweet, kind, charming, thoughtful, successful and not at all afraid to go after what he wants.
I loved the interactions that Mark and Vivienne share. Their banter is fun, flirty and full of teasing and innuendo. The chemistry they share is undeniable and the love scenes are incredibly hot and steamy.
If you love a hockey romance with heat, heart and humor look no further than This Is Love.
This Is Love by Natasha Madison is Vivienne’s story and it was emotional, touching and about learning to love again. We have seen Vivienne throughout this series and know she is a serial dater. She says that is how she likes it. Love is not in the cards for her. In this book we find out why and her history. She was so strong and determined, but there was a vulnerability to her she hides from everyone.
Mark and Vivienne have been dancing around each other for years, but I think a part of her knew the power Mark could have, so she kept him at a distance. Until she no longer can. Now she is not only going back for more, he is tearing down her walls. Mark was a man in control. He likes his privacy, but for the right person, he would do anything for them. But when she denies what they can be, will they lose everything?
This Is Love by Natasha Madison was a story about letting the past go and letting love in. It was sweet, touching, a bit angsty and emotional. I loved both the main characters and their family and friends. They are the best anyone can ask for. Such a great story with characters you can’t help but love.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
I’ve been done with this book for sometime now. And I still haven’t found the words to do it justice. I mean This is Love is the 3rd installment of The This Is series by Natasha Madison and it’s also Vivienne’s book. I knew that Natasha would bring it, but she totally outdid herself. She brought us a story to top all the others. Vivienne and Mark story will have you needing a fan and it will leave your heart so full.
Superb writing
Addictive Characters
Off the charts sexy times
So so soooooo good!
That’s all I’m going to say till Release Day, when I extend my review! So put this phenomenal book on your TBR!
Natasha Madison does NOT disappoint.
Highly recommended!
*I was given an advanced review copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are those of my own.*
This is Love was one of my highly anticipated reads and let’s just say it does not disappoint. I LOVE Vivienne and all her crazy antics. Throughout the series she has hands down been one of my favorite characters and I was so happy to have the chance to read her story.
Vivienne is a serial dater. She’s been burned in the past, so she doesn’t let anyone really get close to her. Enter PM aka Mark aka Markos. He is a private man, so naturally he is attracted to someone who blogs about her life and her dates.
Vivienne was always the friend dishing out advice, the was unfiltered, spoke her mind and she is one of my favorite heroines, but this story showed a different side to her and I love her even more after. Mark is the exact opposite, but when it came to Vivienne he was super patient, he knew he couldn’t push her. Their chemistry was kindle melting. I loved the instant attraction these two had for each other.
This is Love had everything. Hockey, LOTS of laughs, LOADS of steaminess, and romance (seriously, Mark is the ultimate book boyfriend – under the sea date, SIGN ME UP!). One of my TOP BOOKS of 2019 and a MUST READ along with the rest of the series.
This Is Love is my favorite..I think. This series has been so enjoyable.
Vivienne’s sass was a breathe of fresh air. She really wants you to believe she’s strong and confident but you know she’s hiding her pain.
Mark..boy.. polar opposite. It’s so private.
I really felt more connected to these characters and storyline the most.
Bravo for an excellent read.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ sexy
Series~ The This Is series
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
This story is everything! Vivienne is such an amazing heroine. She is funny and quirky. She puts on a tough exterior that tries to hide the sweet vulnerable woman underneath.
“Getting that prize and claiming it,” I say, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Holding the prize in your hands, there isn’t another feeling out there.”
Where Vivi is sassy and outgoing Mark is known as PM, Private Mark. What starts as just a fun fling, quickly progresses. But Vivienne (The Serial Dater) has been hurt in the past and won’t even consider anything more.
“How does the one person who hates commitment sleep with a man who only wants a commitment?”
Vivi’s great big personality really steals the show in this thoroughly entertaining story!
-5 Stars!!-
I adored this book so much. My crush on Vivienne has reached new heights. I love her personality and take no prisoners attitude. I constantly found myself laughing at her unfiltered comments. She’s the type of woman I can imagine myself going for a drink with. Hurt in the past she is determined not to fall in love or be vulnerable again. Not going to lie Mark made me swoon I’ve no idea how she managed to hold out on him. I love a determined man and Mark has one focus to get Vivienne to fall for him. The chemistry between them was red hot.
I really enjoyed the mix of fun and emotion in this book. A well written well thought out book from this author.
I knew Vivienne’s book would be glamorous! This author has blown me away with every new book. I’ve been waiting on this book for what seems like forever and it was indeed well worth the wait.
This was hands down one of the sexiest and most thrilling books to read. I loved Vivienne’s attitude and sass! she was all about the hook ups until Mark starts to break down her walls. He was a man that any woman would swoon and fall for.
If you’ve read any of this author’s book then you know anything she writes is golden so don’t wait to grab this exceptional read!
I couldn’t have asked for better with This Is Love. Natasha delivered a great hilarious, steamy, beautiful romance/
I have seen Vivienne through the Something So Series and I have loved her from the very beginning. She has no filter and is full of sass, her antics and banter honestly had me laughing so much and a couple of times I spat out my drink with some of the things she said. She makes no apologies for anything she does which I again adore so much.
Mark is the complete opposite of Vivienne. He is extremely private (aka PM, Private Mark) He is the New York Stringers Goalie and has had his eye on Vivienne for the last 2 years. He made the mistake of putting the ball, or really the puck, in Vivienne’s court for her to call but now he is going for what he wants.
The banter between Mark and Vivienne is hilarious with the chemistry between them explosive!! I think I honestly cried myself laughing, almost peeing my pants, with the interactions and banter between Vivienne and Karrie. I couldn’t love this woman more, she is defiantly my favourite.