Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts

4/25/2015

Review: The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
★★★☆☆
Release Date: 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Tragedy, Love, Coming of Age, High School
Format: ebook
Source: Library
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Golden boy Ezra Faulkner believes everyone has a tragedy waiting for them—a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. His particular tragedy waited until he was primed to lose it all: in one spectacular night, a reckless driver shatters Ezra’s knee, his athletic career, and his social life.
No longer a front-runner for Homecoming King, Ezra finds himself at the table of misfits, where he encounters new girl Cassidy Thorpe. Cassidy is unlike anyone Ezra’s ever met, achingly effortless, fiercely intelligent, and determined to bring Ezra along on her endless adventures.
But as Ezra dives into his new studies, new friendships, and new love, he learns that some people, like books, are easy to misread. And now he must consider: if one’s singular tragedy has already hit and everything after it has mattered quite a bit, what happens when more misfortune strikes?
This is a good book, with great writing, that is mysterious enough to make you want to read to the last page and it had everything I needed in a story right now, because my one year old keeps me more entertained than a lot of the books I've sat down to read. But, this one kept me hooked because I had to know how it ended!

The Beginning of Everything is a good coming of age story about a boy who loses everything he thought he was made of only to gain perspective and become more of who he really is. It's funny, yet not mindless, and filled with witty quotes and kids who talk like adults. It's a YA novel that adults can appreciate as well and I found Robyn Schneider's writing style similar to John Green's. It takes place mostly over the beginning of Ezra's (OMG I love that name, Vampire Weekend anybody?) senior year when he becomes reunited with his past and realizes things are different from the outside. The reflective nature of this book is something I always love, characters who change and grow. Cassidy brings a puzzling nature to the story as the reader and Ezra try to figure her out. She's straight forward when it comes to speaking her mind but not her heart. Toby was by far my favorite character. He's Ezra's best childhood friend and they rekindle their friendship as if they've never parted. I think we all have friends like Toby and can relate to their relationship.

I will say, and nothing to do with the writing, but after reading the story I'm just not crazy about the title or cover of this book. I love them, but not for this story. Severed Heads, Broken Hearts is the UK title and I love that so much more for this story.

11/23/2013

Blog Tour: Remy


Remy by Katy Evans
★★★★★
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fighting, Love, Illness, Boxing
Format: ebook
Source: SUBClub Books
Preorder: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Underground fighter Remington Tate is a mystery, even to himself. His mind is dark and light, complex and enlightening. At times his actions and moods are carefully measured, and at others, they spin out of control. Through it all, there's been one constant: wanting, needing, loving, and protecting Brooke Dumas. This is his story; from the first moment he laid eyes on her and knew, without a doubt, she would be the realest thing he's ever had to fight for.
With my limited presence this month, I feel like all I've posted are book review for Katy Evans books. This is not a bad thing, not at all. We should just rename November to Remy-ember! Remy is the third book (kind of) in the Real series by Katy Evans. Book 1 is Real and book 2 is Mine.

Remy is a continuation/companion novel. Included we have Remy's point of view from Real and Mine (which all I can say is OMG) and then we have some bonus future (present) chapters in the midst of the past. Reading the first and second books is definitely a must. I am a huge fan of Katy Evans' writing and these characters have become some of my favorites. Her words flow right off the paper and get lodged into my heart, it's just an emotional and world rocking ride.

To be inside Remy's head and feel and understand exactly what he was going through at certain points was amazing, he's all sweaty one-tracked mind guy and then; he's more, so much more. He's such a complex and complicated character that for Katy to get in there and get her hands dirty molding and shaping what his thoughts are like was just really incredible. Seeing Brooke from his point of view and through his eyes was also intriguing since we just spent the last two books looking through hers.

Assuming if you're reading this review you've already read Real and Mine, I want to discuss why these three books impacted me so much and why I think all 3 deserve 5 stars (because they definitely do). This next part will contain spoilers for the first books so PLEASE do not continue if you haven't read both books 1 and 2. Remy has a problem that isn't just his to bear, it affects all of those in his life. He works so hard to control the manic behaviors but still battles and struggles with it everyday. This is also a problem that so many people in the real world face. I grew up with depression and battled to overcome the darkness that lurked in every nook and cranny of my mind. I also had a best friend who was bipolar and it's a whole other world of emotional turmoil. Anyone overcoming, living with, managing and dealing with anything remotely close to this fictional character are my heroes. We are not defined but these ailments but what we do to overcome them and Remy's struggle is so much deeper than words on paper for me, he is represents real (go Katy). What I absolutely admire Katy for is not wrapping it up in a bow and being done with it, because that doesn't happen. They may live happily ever after but we know there will still be bumps in the road and obstacles to overcome. Life isn't easy.

All three books are just well written dramatic examples of the strength we have as humans. These characters may be fictional but their lives reflect everything of the nonfiction world. Thank you Katy for sharing their stories with us! :) I look forward to reading and reviewing more by Katy Evans!



TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY


ABOUT KATY
Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

9/02/2013

Series Review: Darkness by Claire Contreras

 There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness #1) by Claire Contreras
★★★★★
Release Date: January 10, 2013
Age: Mature New Adult, Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Best Friends, Orphans, Family, Drama, Crime, Love, Suspense, Drama, Famous
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble Currently only $.99!!
A past hidden in darkness. Her present cloaked in secrets. The future holds the only truth that cannot be escaped.
After the mysterious and violent death of her parents, Blake Brennan finds comfort with an unconventional family. As the dramatic loss of her parents continues to haunt her—and hinders her from reciprocating love that others give freely—Blake embarks on a harrowing journey in search for the truth.
Living in a constant state of fear and need for control, vivid nightmares reveal details that lead to perilous situations. The past begins to collide with the present, and Blake must decide if the truth is worth losing the ones she loves.

Can love conquer all as her past comes to light? Or will Blake realize that there is no light in darkness?

Darkness Before Dawn (Darkness #2) by Claire Contreras
Plus Epilogue (which is amazing!)
★★★★★
Release Date: June 2013
Age: Mature New Adult, Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Best Friends, Orphans, Family, Drama, Crime, Love, Suspense, Drama, Famous
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble Currently only $.99!!
Is love ever enough?
Faced with obstacles she could have never imagined, Blake is brought to darkness and back by forces in her past she never knew existed.
Desperate to stay connected to the only thing he loves, Cole is forced to revisit his past and align himself with the people who knew about Blake’s disappearance.
Separation has forced both Blake and Cole to learn how to live under the worst circumstances, each of them alone in their own hell.
When they reunite, can they be the same two people they were before darkness swept upon them?
Told in separate points of view, Darkness Before Dawn is the continuation of Blake and Cole’s fight to make it to the light
I started and finished this series yesterday, I know. And, I'm still speechless and in awe of how much emotion I felt for these fictional characters. Claire Contreras BLEW MY MIND. I knew this would be a good read because of all of the recommendations I'd received for it from fellow book lovers, but I wasn't prepared for how much it would take over my life! I am consumed with thoughts about the books, I can't pick up another book, I can't sleep, I had to come into my office sit down (bang my head on the desk a little, and it's a glass desk!) and get it all out before moving on with my life (which really guys, it somehow seems impossible right now to continue living as I did before). I'm going to attempt to turn this into something productive and not just a gushy mushy love-fest on how you just need to skip everything I say AND GO BUY THE BOOKS YOURSELF. 

ATTEMPT #1:

WOW...

UMMM...

UNABLE TO FORM COHERENT SENTENCES AT THE MOMENT...

K...

ALMOST READY...

PROCESSING...

When I began book one, There is No Light in Darkness, initially I was confused and flipping back and forth between new and old pages. I was rereading passages and trying to A. Figure out who was who and B. Figure out the whole story (because that's what I do). Umm.. Yeah. Claire Contreras is a SUPER SECRET SPY and you can't crack her code. No really. The way she unfolds events is on a mastery level that even I, avid reader and code cracker, was unable to pick. She shocks and overwhelms and then beats you on the head with the emotions pouring out of your chest! Just to do it all over again. The beginning was confusing, trying to figure out who was who, because Blake is a girl and Aubry is a guy and.. the way Claire constructs the introductions of everyone (or lack thereof, in the beginning) was mind boggling. Don't misread my feelings, I loved this and it was a fun start, diverse and kept me on my toes. Who needs to be spoon fed? We're all adults here. I went into the story blind, I feel like I'd read the synopsis before (like when I purchased book 1) but seeing as I don't know when I bought it, it could have been months ago. So, I didn't really know what I was getting into, just that I wanted to get into it. This book owns me right now, no exaggeration. I am pwned (no that's not a typo, it's a joke).

 This series is dark and deep and a messy messy emotional battle. It's not a light and easy read; it's intense and real, so empty some space out of your heart because you will need it. These books will hold you prisoner until the very last page. It's heartbreaking, earth shattering, and a paranoid little disaster of a story with broken pieces that throughout the story find their place among the rubble. I can't put down in words how deep this book ran in me and I can only try to express my love for the darkness that emits from the pages and buried into me. These characters are now part of me, this phenomenal writer has written her words directly onto my mess of a heart.

Blake and Cole. Blake and Cole. Blake and Cole... Oh Goodness. I have this thing for best friends turned lovers. I mean seriously guys, I married my best friend. And, this is just the type of romance that I ADORE. This book is by far MY NEW FAVORITE love story. The beginning whole book gives me butterflies just thinking about it. Their easy banter, teasing, and sexual chemistry was enough to hook me until the very end. The jealousy that rivets and the make up sex that follows, ahh, so much awesomeness. This is romance done 100% right. The best!

Blake has this family, the people she loves that she can count on one hand. And, I loved them too. Through everything they're there for her and each other. They all drop everything and come together constantly. Stemming from broken homes and meeting in the life and loving arms of a woman with the biggest heart ever, they build their own unit and prosper greatly. There is no shortage of secondary characters and each one is just as important as the leads.

Surrounding this series, especially in book 2, is major drama. Like, criminal drama. Crazy stuff. Crazy bloodlines and suspense and just so much intense action and sadness. I cried big fat crazy person tears all alone while my husband would walk by and wonder what in the world was wrong with me. Then he'd walk by and see my laughing hysterically; and know I'd gone off the deep end. Oh man. I was a big huge mess.

I'm giving this series 5 million stars and I'm placing it on my favorite, reread and will never forget shelves in my head. I was, am, and will always be blown away by this series created by Claire Contreras and I am DEFINITELY going to be stalking/following/reading everything she writes-from now on.

9/01/2013

Stay With Me Review

Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick
★★★★☆
Release Date: August 2013
Age: New Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Love, College, Famous, Rock Star, Actor
Format: ebook
Source: Author via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
With one look, I’m his . . .
With one touch, he’s mine . . .
With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .
I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.
When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.
But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.
Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.
Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.
Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.
This book melted my freaking heart to the core! Caleb Fox is one considerate and down to earth sweet heart who completely knocked Hailey (and me) off her feet. Even as she fights it she can't help but let him into her heart. When things get crazy, he's there, comforting and supporting her. He is dreamy and so are his friends!

Plenty of times I've read books about the guy rock star and the normal every day girl. But, Stay With Me is about the girl rock star and the normal every day guy! Elyssa has mixed it up and what a phenomenal surprise it is! Thrown into the spotlight as a child and held there by a controlling parent, Hailey struggles to find herself in adulthood as she branches out on her own and finally does whatever she wants; which in this case is attend college.

Hailey's mother is crazy! She's a horrible person and parent and I can't believe the crap she continues to put poor Hailey through. The only good thing her mother does is build up her strength to shut her out completely!

On the opposite of the spectrum we have Caleb's family. A caring and strong unit that Hailey blends right into. His sisters were adorable and star struck, Elyssa couldn't have painted a better picture of them! My favorite member of the Fox household (besides Caleb) was Daphne (Hailey's new best friend and Caleb's younger sister) she was spunky and held her own secrets. Her relationship with one of Caleb's friends was an added bonus to the already great story!

 Stay With Me is a terrific terrific read, one that I couldn't put down until the end. I felt so many feelings throughout the book, so many emotions, and so much to love! The words flow easily from page to page and the love story is powerful and consumed me completely!

7/28/2013

The Truth About You and Me Review

The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace
★★★☆☆
Release Date: September 8, 2013
Publisher: Flux
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Coming of Age, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Teacher, Love, High School, College
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Preorder it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Smart girls aren't supposed to do stupid things.
Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she's so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennet. He's cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she's endured - and missed out on - in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she's falling in love.
There's only one problem. Bennet is Madelyn's college professor, and he thinks she's eighteen - because she hasn't told him the truth.
The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennet - both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.
For me, this book was an okay read. It is a story that treads the water but never dives in. I wanted to be pulled under, but it never happened. My feelings for the characters never went beyond my initial takes, I didn't feel connected to their development and I really wasn't feeling their love. I'd say this is a coming of age book, a finding oneself book, more than a love story.

Maddie is a liar. Point blank. It's hard to even want to like someone who is supposed to be a genius but is, in all ways that count, quite the average person. The girl lacks common sense. What's that phrase, book smart but not street smart. Maddie's not life smart. She lures a teacher into a relationship built up on false pretenses and while she constantly thinks about the thing, her age, that separates them; she never once thinks about him (honestly). Their relationship is short lived and the way in which they fall out was sad, for him. He ends up losing so much more than she does. The ending of the book was by far my favorite part. Amanda Grace couldn't have concluded their story better.

The Truth About You and Me is told in the form of a letter. Maddie is writing a letter to help Bennett. Maddie is naive and young, it's hard to blame her for the way she acts because really; she's just a kid. As I got into the book I couldn't stop reading, I wanted to know what happened. I wanted to know why Maddie was writing these letters and I wanted to know how their story panned out. I was hooked in from the beginning and easily blew through the story. If you're looking for something light (even with the dense subject matter) and easy to get into, I recommend this one.

7/03/2013

Losing Hope ARC Review and Hopeless Giveaway

Losing Hope (Hopeless #2) by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
Release Date: July 8, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books
Age: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Love, High School, Realistic Fiction
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Preorder it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.
I have to start this review here, with my review of HOPELESS. That book blew me out of the water, I can't express how much it affected and tore me apart. The revelations and discoveries were heart stopping and I was utterly overwhelmed and consumed by the book that Colleen Hoover gifted to us, because it is a rare gift and an extraordinary treasure. If you haven't read Hopeless, really you could read Losing Hope as it is mostly a retelling from Holder POV BUT! I recommend Hopeless, I recommend it to everyone to read, and I think you'll love this book that much more if you already love these characters and are familiar with the events of the first book.

This review may contain spoilers from Hopeless, just a warning.
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Are you sure you want to continue?
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I really think you should go read Hopeless first and by should I mean have to.
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Hopeless is only $.99 for Kindle at this moment, I think it's worth a go! Get it at Amazon !
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How about I host a giveaway for Hopeless.
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Okay, I'll get back to business now.
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JUST GO BUY HOPELESS ALREADY!!!!! Then preorder this one ;)
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Losing Hope starts in the before. Before Les conquers her battle with the demons of her past. Before Holder sees Sky. Before, before, before. We get a glimpse into the emotions that Holder faced through the 2 most, I won't say devastating, life altering events of his life. The events that leave him Hopeless, until the sky opens up for him.

My favorite thing about this book are Holder's journal entries. Getting inside his head and seeing his grief morph into something close to living again, his life and Sky's change together and it's beautiful and broken at the same time. Reliving the disastrous ending of Hopeless was hard for me, what these characters go through was so intense and horrible. Those emotions rocked me and while it was easier to read the second time, it was still hard to digest.

I live and love Dean Holder. He's this solid unmoving force in Sky's life and even when she wanted to push him away, he made her resolve crumble. And, to me this meant that deep down somewhere she knew who he was and what he really meant to her.

This book is all kinds of epically great and just the BEST companion to Hopeless. Colleen Hoover is one of my favorites because she seems to pour a piece of herself into her books and she just nails the emotional turmoil and drama on the head. I loved Hopeless and I love Losing Hope just as much. Yes, this review is just turning into a love-fest.

At the end of Losing Hope we get a glimpse past the last page of Hopeless. Just as the beginning was before, this is after. After the truth is exposed, after it all. It's a truly perfect ending, and theirs this beautiful note left from someone very important and it just gave me all kinds of crazy butterflies. Just, way to go Colleen!

I want to quote the crap out of this book! I want to share my favorite lines and your sure to be favorites as well. As this is an ARC I will wait; but rest assured that as soon as my copy of Losing Hope gets here next week (it's out MONDAY!) I will be creating a post of my favorite lines from Losing Hope, my highlighter is READY. Most are ramblings inside Holder's head. My favorite of them all is how Holder is explaining how he's falling in love with Sky one piece at a time. Ahhh! I can't wait.

So, for more than obvious reasons this book is a 5 star for me. Those Hopeless fans probably already have it preordered; if you don't, get on that. :)


GIVEAWAY
If you don't have a dollar to spend right now; I'll spend it for you!
This is for a Kindle copy of HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover, gifted from Amazon.

6/16/2013

My Life Next Door Review and Giveaway

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
★★★★☆
Release Date: June 14, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Family, Political, Love, Summer
Format: Hardback
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.
This book served as an excellent summer read. I read it on vacation and couldn't have chosen a better book! It's one of those stories that would be perfect for a book club, it's definitely one to discuss with others. The thick plot and complex characters give you something to think about. It's more than fun and flirty, it delves deep into an evolving story about growing up.

The great thing about this book is that almost all the characters and likable, even the ones that your not supposed to like. Samantha is labeled as a rich girl used to getting what she wants, but she was so much more than that (and she was also nothing like that in her own eyes). She's worlds away from her own family and life. She's unhappy in the controlling environment and tired of straight lines and pressed clothes. Ever since she was young and the rambunctious-ever-growing Garrett family moved in next door she has been fascinated by them, and unbeknownst to Sam one of the Garretts' has also had his eye on her. Jase is an amazing book boyfriend. He's sweet, caring, and great with the little kids of his family. He's torn between being a man in his house and a child in his family. The responsibilities that fall upon all of the Garrett's are large and consuming, but he does a great job being a teenager as well. Just an all around excellent cast of personalities and minds!

I absolutely adored every member of the Garrett family, they all touched my heart. But, 4 year old George is definitely my favorite member!
“Is Jase already gonna marry you?”
I start coughing again. “Uh, No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we’re not engaged.
“I’m this many.” George holds up four, slightly grubby fingers. “But Jase is seventeen and a half. You could. Then you could live in here with him. And have a big family.”
Jase strides back into the room, of course, midway through this proposition. “George. Beat it. Discovery Channel is on.”
George backs out of the room but not before saying, “His bed’s really comfortable. And he never pees in it.”
Family is probably the largest theme of this book. Two characters that I would love to read more about are Sam's older sister and Tim!

What begins as an easy going and relaxing Sarah Dessen-like beach read becomes complex and deep as the story progresses. Ideas of morality and owning up to your mistakes are constant themes as this young woman is tested and forced to choose between the love for her family and the love of a new one. This book is inspirational and beautifully written, unfolding with surprise favorite characters and friendships that were very unexpected. I took a lot away from this book and look forward to more by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

If you're looking for a book about first love with an emotional back story, family drama, and so much more then My Life Next Door will rock your world! When going through the goodreads page I realized that a lot of my friends have read this one and almost every single one gave it 4 or 5 stars! That's how great it is and it's not just me that thinks so!


GIVEAWAY
To celebrate summer I'd like to pass my hardcover copy onto a new reader!
This is a US only giveaway and you must be 13 or older to enter.


6/14/2013

Left Drowning ARC Review

Left Drowning by Jessica Park
★★★★★
Expected Release Date: July 16, 2013
Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing
Age: New Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Family, Friends, College, Death, Depression
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Preorder it: Amazon
What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?
Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.
Ever since I read Jessica's Flat-Out Love, see my review here, I've been a stalker blog and facebook follower of hers. When I was on Netgalley and saw this title up for review I jumped for joy and thanked my lucky stars that I'm auto-approved for Amazon titles because I don't think I would've survived waiting for approval!

Just a heads up, this book is an all consuming ball of fire that will light up your life, and darken it too. Throughout this story you'll want to drink, you'll want to cry, and then you will cry. You will laugh, smile, and grow to respect and appreciate the loved ones in your own life. You will become a Jessica Park obsessee like myself and you will spend so much time going over the occurrences of this story that you will know each day by heart. You will rant, rave and recommend it endlessly and then you will want to email me so that we can compare notes. I'm not joking. I'm in love with unperfected perfection, I'm in love with faults, and I see beauty in excess baggage; lucky for me this one has it all. Left Drowning is one of those books that you read and it never leaves you, and you don't want it to. It's unforgettable.

My initial reaction after closing this book was pure sorrow. Only because I seriously missed these characters after barely finishing the last page. I didn't want it to end. From the very beginning when Sabin crashes into Blythe's life I knew I was going to love him. Then when we meet Chris I knew this book was going to be an all-time favorite, and it is. It is re-read worthy and every bit as fabulous as one would expect a Jessica Park novel to be. She takes fictional families and makes the reader feel every ounce of emotion she pours into the pages, it was an extraordinary experience to be introduced to these characters and I'm having a hard time letting go.

Blythe and Chris share one of those truly epic love stories. One built up from the beginning and all consuming, that have readers grinding their teeth and blushing at the same time. I would compare it to the feelings from Tarryn Fisher's novel The Opportunist, the early Liv and Caleb when they're in college. I loved Chris, he's beautifully broken with a painful past that mirrors and shadows Blythe's own horrors. Then I found myself waning to punch Chris in the nose. Then I couldn't stop crying and I had to put the book down to compose myself before diving back in. The connection that is clearly drawn between these two reaches farther than I ever thought it would. Way to go Jessica Park, I'm a mess.

From an unforgettable slew of characters to a beautifully damaged romance to discoveries and connections that will shock and surprise anyone, this book sits on the shelf among my favorites.

5/22/2013

Second Chance Boyfriend Review

Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable #2) by Monica Murphy
★★★★☆
Release Date: April 6, 2013
Age: New Adult 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Love
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Lost. That one single word best describes my life at this very moment. I lost the last games of the season and both my team and my coach blame me. I lost the last two months because I drowned in my own despair like a complete loser. And I lost the only girl who ever mattered because I was afraid being with me would destroy her.

But now I realize how truly lost I am without her. She has become my story…and even though she acts like she’s moved on, I know she still thinks about me just as much as I think about her. She’s beautiful, sweet—and so damn vulnerable, all I want to do is help her. Be there for her.

Love her…

If only I could convince Fable to give me a second chance. Then I wouldn’t feel so lost anymore, and neither would she. We could be found together.

Forever.
With the way that One Week Girlfriend ended I anxiously awaited the release of this sequel. On the day it came out I purchased it, excited to get back into this love story. But like most books I buy, it got lost in my TBR pile. A month later I stumbled across the title in my kindle app and decided it was time to revisit Drew and Fable. Since it is the second book in the series I highly recommend reading book 1, especially before reading this review, but definitely before reading this book.

I loved One Week Girlfriend, the first book. I loved the sexual tension, the build up, the alternating POVs and most of all the friendship and love story that evolved between two wonderfully different but beautifully pieced together characters. The ending broke me, it had me screaming MARSHMALLOW in search of my own savior from the cliffhanger that was KILLING me. I think most who read One Week Girlfriend don't need to be persuaded to seek out this second book, for me it wasn't even a choice I had to know what happened next. This final book definitely sums up Drew and Fable's story for us. As a reader and fan of the first installment this sequel does not disappoint.

Second Chance Boyfriend begins two months after Drew leaves Fable. Fable begins working at a new restaurant and things are going great for her in that respect, but there's definitely a Texas sized hole in her chest whether she admits it to anyone or not. Drew's trying to help himself and is coping with everything in his life, but he still can't hear Fable's name without his body stiffening. As a reader you are dying for that moment when they see each other again as a firm believer in HEAs I was holding my breath for them.

Next to the lead characters, my next favorite is Owen, Fable's younger brother. I love Owen. I love the way he loves Fable like something fierce. He's strong and capable of anything if he keeps his head on straight. I'm looking forward to hearing his story! Like, really looking forward to it.

The villain of book 1, for me [and all of you I'm sure], was Adele. Woman is just wrong. In this book we're still dealing with the pain and emotional baggage Adele has caused and is causing, but I really came to hate, yes I said hate, Fable's mom. Her degree of carelessness and cruelty is unimaginable. Monica Murphy definitely pulls some strong feelings out of her readers and makes us experience the hurt with her characters.

Second Chance Boyfriend became a much darker story at the end. We see resolution and closure to a dark part of Drew's past. His secrets become revealed and repercussions occur. This along with the demons, or demon, of Fable's life build into a heart breaking yet uplifting concluding chapter. It was a rocky but beautifully constructed and executed love story. I recommend this series to anyone who will listen. If your looking for drama, romance, an unforgettable story, and well drawn characters then this one is a must read!
"Maybe it was a mistake leaving you.
 And I don’t know how to make it right.
 Regret fills me every single day.
 So much of it builds up I
 Hate myself for
 Missing you. Hurting you.
 And I want you to know i...
 Long for you
 Love you
 Others may come and go in our lives but...
 We belong together"

5/10/2013

Blog Tour: Lost and Found Review and Giveaway




Lost and Found by Nicole Williams
★★★★★
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Age: Mature YA/ New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Family, Love
Format: eBook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
There’s complicated. And there’s Rowen Sterling.
After numbing pain for the past five years with boys, alcohol, and all-around apathy, she finds herself on a Greyhound bus to nowhere Montana the summer after she graduates
high school. Her mom agreed to front the bill to Rowen’s dream art school only if Rowen proves she can work hard and stay out of trouble at Willow Springs Ranch. Cooking breakfast at the crack of dawn for a couple dozen ranch hands and mucking out horse stalls are the last things in the world Rowen wants to spend her summer doing.

Until Jesse Walker saunters into her life wearing a pair of painted-on jeans, a cowboy hat, and a grin that makes something in her chest she’d thought was frozen go boom-boom. Jesse’s like no one else, and certainly nothing like her. He’s the bright and shiny to her dark and jaded.

Rowen knows there’s no happily-ever-after for the golden boy and the rebel girl—happily-right-now is a stretch—so she tries to forget and ignore the boy who makes her feel things she’s not sure she’s ready to feel. But the more she pushes him away, the closer he seems to get. The more she convinces herself she doesn’t care, the harder she falls.

When her dark secrets refuse to stay locked behind the walls she’s kept up for years, Rowen realizes it’s not just everyone else she needs to be honest with. It’s herself.
Nicole Williams is an author that I sit on the edge of my seat when she announces new titles. I would stalk and follow her around like a lost puppy if I didn't have a job to get to and children to teach. And, the best part? This lady is INCREDIBLY sweet and easy to talk to! Meeting her last at RT was seriously the highlight of my year (and years to come).
"Rowen? Is something wrong?" He sounded like he was about to start snapping his fingers in front of my face. "Because your eyes are doing something kind of crazy right now."
That's because you're practically naked and were descended from gods.
Lost and Found is a story about a life changing move for Rowen Sterling. Relocated to a ranch in Montana Rowen agrees to work for the summer but has no idea what's in store for her. She trades in her fishnets and mini skirts for some jeans and boots and begins a journey of self discovery and ultimately finds herself and someone to love like she's never loved before. Shedding a negative skin and self image Rowen's transformation is uplifting and freeing, while she becomes better to and for herself she doesn't change who she is inside just makes herself a little better and adds some self worth.

Nicole does troubled boys right, we learned that with Jude Ryder; but what she does even better is troubled girls. Girls with secretive pasts, buried secrets, demons, problems, and mommy issues. Girls who wear their emotions in their makeup and hair color. Her characters in Lost and Found are immensely diverse from each other and the other characters of hers we're familiar with. The only similarities I found was that Garth made my skin crawl like Anton did. Nicole's writing and the way she builds up her characters around each other amazes me with each new book of hers I read, she is a GENIUS.
"That was one hell of a dance."
I loved the way Jesse and Rowen meet, I love the shock she receives when she finds out who he is, and I love the way their relationship forms. I also enjoyed his back story and his close relationship with his family. His mother, Rose, is amazing and one of my favorite characters in the book. Everything about this book screams masterpiece! Seriously. There isn't anything I'd change. Except maybe his inexperience, but that made the story just a little bit unexpected.
"I love you, and I'm sure, Rowen. Now why don't you help me figure out how thiat whole rocking-your-world thing works."
I'm no stranger to Nicole Williams writing and as a huge fan I can say that other fans will not be disappointed in this new love story. So, read on and share the book love! Then go read all of Nicole's other books (Up in Flames, Great Exploitations, Crash, and Eternal Eden[FREE]) you will thank me later!

ABOUT NICOLE
I'm a wife, a mom, a writer. I started writing because I loved it and I'm still writing because I love it. I write young adult because I still believe in true love, kindred spirits, and happy endings. Here's to staying young at heart *raises champagne glass* . . . care to join me?





TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

5/07/2013

This Girl Review

This Girl (Slammed #3) by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books
Age: Mature YA/New Adult
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Love
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
There are two sides to every love story. Now hear Will’s.

Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache.

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.
This book is BUTTERFLYING PERFECT. It's everything a fan could ask for and everything we didn't think to ask for. This Girl is the third book in the Slammed series and I definitely recommend reading both book 1 and 2 before reading this review or this book. So go. Read them. Then email me so we can gush about how much we adore Will...

 Slammed and Point of Retreat were two of the most emotionally charged and inspiring books I've ever read. They sucked me in, held me, and consumed me wholly. This Girl is just about as perfect as a companion book to one of the greatest series could be. With all of the raw feelings and forbidden love seeping from the pages it's a book that I will be reading and rereading for a while to come.

In This Girl the reader has the opportunity to relive all of the happy and sad moment from Slammed in Will's point of view. We get inside his head and see what he was thinking when everything was going on. There's a little drama in the midst and some revelations leave Lake feeling insecure and hurt. This book ties up the series nicely as it flashes between the past and present as Lake and Will are on their honeymoon. Layken wants to know everything he'd been through when they fell in love and he expels all of his secrets for her. It's a beautiful and unforgettable story that ties into the other books well.

 Slammed was so fresh and deep and it stands out in the YA genre as something different. I love the poetry woven through out and I loved the poetry included in This Girl. Colleen Hoover, you wonderful author you, I just have to say that you have a gift, a real talent and I will definitely be reading anything and everything you write!

If you haven't seen them yet here are the new covers for Slammed and Point of Retreat!




MORE FROM COLLEEN
We know that I could go on and on about Slammed but let's talk about some other books by Colleen. Hopeless is one of my favorites (all of her books are my favorites) this one is truly a remarkable and unputdownable book and Losing Hope (from Holder's POV) is coming out in July! She's also got Maybe Someday, a New Adult stand alone coming out in 2014. Another title to expect from her in 2014 is Ugly Love. As soon as I hear or know more about these and other titles by Colleen I'll be sure to spread the news!

5/01/2013

Crush by Nicole Williams Review

Crush (Crash #3) by Nicole Williams
★★★★★
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age: New Adult/ Mature YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football, Drama, Love,
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Football glory. A giant diamond. A wandering eye.
Jude and Lucy are happily engaged . . . but that doesn't mean life's a bed of roses.
Once again, Jude and Lucy are torn apart by football training and a summer job that creates new tensions. This time Jude's the one with trust issues. Will Lucy's life-changing news bring them back together or end their relationship for good? Can love triumph forever?
I always find it extremely hard to: A. review a book that I love B. review a book that is part of a series and C. review a book that I LOVE. I guess I'll sit here and use shouty caps and attempt to explain why these books hold a special place in my heart and either you can sit there and listen to me rant OR you can go buy Crash and begin what is sure to be an unforgettable ride!

This is the third and final book of Jude and Lucy's trilogy, so, if you have yet to read Crash or Clash (WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?) this may contain some spoilers for those books but I'll make sure not to spoil anything in Crush.

 Crush is without a doubt my favorite book of the Crash series. Nicole knows how to make her fans fall in love with her characters all over again. We have our fair share of Jude and Lucy drama (and then some), we have our "I'm going to be independent if it kills me" Luce, our "I'm going to take care of you" Jude, and all of the secondary characters that round out their crazy family! As far as sequels go, this is one excellent addition to an already phenomenal series.

Before I read Crush I reread Crash and Clash. Revisiting their senior year of High School in Crash and all the crazy drama that occurred, and then their first year of college in Clash, and finally ending with Crush was bliss. It reminded me all over again why I need a Jude Ryder jersey.

One thing I will say about Crush is that it is pretty predictable. Nicole gives us what we want and you can kind of see certain things coming, keep in mind these are things that I wanted and things I wouldn't change for anything in the world! She pulls at your heart strings, makes you a wreck, leaves you hanging, and then picks you back up. Ahh, I really loved it and can't wait to sit down and read it again. I love the way she concludes and nicely rounds out so much of the story and not just for Jude and Luce but Holly, Graham, and Little Jude as well. You're still left pondering some things but it's a nice even ending that is fulfilling and just plain perfect. There were so many times that I wanted to slap some sense into both of our main characters, Lucy over the whole admin thing and Jude, well read the book and you'll see.

I am a huge Nicole Williams fan and cannot wait to meet her Saturday at the RT book fair! I will no doubt be going crazy with anticipation! If your looking for an emotional and tear jerking series where the books get even better as the story progresses READ THIS ONE. I recommend it ALL the time and have yet to come across anyone who didn't like, love, or absolutely positively worship Nicole's wonderful story. Spread the book love!!

4/24/2013

Blog Tour: Twisted Perfection Review and Giveaway


Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines
★★★★☆
Release Date: April 22, 2013
Age: New Adult/ Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Issues, drama, love, family issues
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…
Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.
What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came.
The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…
Every time I read an Abbi Glines book I can't help but fall in love with the story, become immersed in the characters, and become obsessed with finishing the book. Twisted Perfection was no different, but it is a different kind of Abbi book. This book is darker and I found it to come just a little deeper than the others. If you thought you loved Rush and Blaire, well, Della and Woods will uproot and obsess you as well. A book about self discovery that winds up becoming about first love, changes, and facing your issues head first; Twisted Perfection is not only a must read for Abbi fans but New Adult fans in general. Plus, it's Abbi Glines so the steamy scenes are VERY steamy. ;)
"You're keeping these boots on. I want it all off but the boots,"
Della and Woods' story begins completely physical. And, we all know how well Abbi does the physical. Oh em gee, I'd lie if I said I wasn't almost panting myself. Yeah, that freaking good from the very beginning and only gets better as the book goes. But, as the book continues they get past (not really it's still there) the physical and move right into full on emotional upheaval in the form of their feelings, their pasts, and their baggage. It is an incredibly eye opening read that will not only have you smiling but crying too.

Della's on a mission to live, to discover life and where she fits into it. Woods is on a mission to secure his place in his fathers business at the Country Club, his plans don't include this sexy waitress but then he decides he wants her above everything else. And, DAMN does Woods do emotional and in love well! My only issue, his borderline obsessive behavior. Della makes a comment about not becoming co-dependent, but I found her to be exactly that. Does she need and want Woods? Yes. It works well in the story but stepping out of the bubble some of his actions are kind of crazy. He wants to protect her at all times and tries his hardest to make that happen. As the past is unraveled it becomes one of those books you will never forget.
"Baby, I'm so far gone you could tell me anything and I'd be okay with it. But, if it makes you feel better then tell me. I want to know everything. I want you to be able to tell me everything and have faith that I'm not going anywhere."
I grew to love with Woods in Abbi's Never too Far (Too Far #2) and was very excited to get the chance to read his story. And in true fashion when I read an Abbi book, I am floored. My heart can't take anymore, the ending was excellent, I can't wait to delve into the next book, and Woods is the guy I think a lot of women fall asleep dreaming about. Way to go Abbi, you still (and will forever) hold your literary rock star status!

We do get to see Blaire, but briefly which I was perfectly fine with. This is about Della and Woods and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I'm still desperately needing that third Too Far book, though. ;)

I know this is an issue for some, but I honestly have no problem with books in series, I HATE waiting (because I'm impatient) but hey what can I do. I actually love reading and owning series; it's like a world to escape too. And, I love how you can go from one series, Too Far, to another, Perfection, and see some familiar faces. Abbi Glines definitely fills this one to its brim, and then some, stuffing it with drama, passion and more; it's not a first in a series that's lacking it's perfect the way it is.

Woods and Della's story is complicated and rough around the edges, just how I like them. Their future will be hard work and uncertainty floods every corner, but together I think they can do it and I can't wait to read more. There are a few authors that I always get their books as soon as they are released and Abbi is one of them! Make sure you not only check this one out, but all of her books!!


ABOUT ABBI
Abbi Glines was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in the small town of Sumiton, Alabama where she left the summer she turned eighteen. She didn’t get far… she chased her high school sweetheart down to the coast and she’s been there ever since.
Abbi now lives in the quaint southern town of Fairhope, Alabama with her three children and husband Keith (the high school sweetheart she chased after). Her life is never dull and Keith always makes sure there is another “experience” for them to explore.
Books published by Abbi include The Vincent Boys and the USA TODAY bestseller The Vincent Brothers, Breathe, Because of Low, the USA TODAY bestsellers While It Lasts and Just For Now, The Existence Trilogy that includes the USA Today Bestseller Ceaseless, and The New York Times bestseller and Wall Street Journal bestseller Fallen Too Far and Never Too Far.
When Abbi isn’t locked away in her office typing away she is hauling her kids to and from their many social activities. You could say her second job is the Glines Kids personal chauffeur. It’s a rather illustrious job.



TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY
An iPad Mini
International

4/02/2013

Going Under by S. Walden Review

Going Under by S. Walden
★★★★★
Release Date: March 14, 2013
Publisher: Penny Press
Age: New Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Suspense, Abuse, High School, Love, Rape
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.
Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.
(This is a New Adult fiction book with mature themes. It contains graphic sex and language and a description of sexual violence.)
I give Going Under 5 huge, larger than life stars and I need a drink, like a really big one (with an umbrella or something) but like straight vodka. Yeah. But, before I indulge..

Every now and then I read a book that strikes a cord so deep that I have to get my review out as soon as the last word is read. Going Under was one of those books. I cannot eat, sleep, or pay my dogs any attention until I address what an AMAZING and thought provoking book this is. It has the power to change the way you look at books and S. Walden has the ability to make the outside world disappear and allow only her fictional story exist. I have to share this read with all of you before I can move on with my life. Truthfully. So here goes.

From the very beginning I knew this book would be emotional and raw. I knew from the heavy subject matter that things were about the get crazy. Brooke approaches her plan for revenge head-on and as a reader it was an unforgettable journey through her approach and her self discovery. The shift in beginning Brooke to end Brooke is massive. So much happens between the pages, some of which I still can't wrap my head around, it's jarring and heartbreaking but at the same time it was kind of perfect, especially in the end. It's the kind of book you find yourself mad at, screaming at and rereading to make sure you got it right; then you find yourself shell shocked and numb. I was a lunatic throughout this book, looney I tell you. Totally murmuring to myself and stuff. Yeah. It'll do that to you.

The complexity of the characters and their well thought through (on the authors part) their lives, flaws, and everything in between is what kept me going back in for more. I couldn't get enough of Ryan, I was intrigued and disgusted by the swimmers, and fascinated with this mission that Brooke was on. She was a firecracker determined to set things right. Her plight was a redeeming quality, even when in the beginning she didn't have many of those to me. Her strength and pure force was something I never saw coming. I liked Brooke, throughout the entire book I liked her (even when I didn't) but she really transforms before your eyes. What was sometimes a juvenile story becomes a lot more.

Ryan was without a doubt my favorite part of this book. He's mysterious and oh so adorable; he was this complicated puzzle that I tried desperately to figure out before Brooke had the chance but I had nothing, I was stumped. And, I'm so happy for that. The relationship he builds with Brooke is intense and they become cute and comfortable together. I was lost in the passion I had for this book, which ranged from every feeling known to man S. Walden's writing elicited them all. Her twisting and turning events also kept me focused on this book (and nothing else, no really, I don't think I've done anything around the house since I started reading it).
""You don't know me from Adam," I said to her. She reached for a paper towel. "But that guy you're with is bad news."
"Huh?"
"That guy you're with is-"
"No no," she interuped. "What you said before. What does that mean?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That thing you said about Adam. Does Adam like me?" she asked, her face flushing a rosy pink.
Dear God.
S. Walden is kind of hilarious, even in a non-hilarious setting. This book is drama-filled. But, it's well rounded in that we have plenty of opportunities to giggle and grin at her writing as we're allowing our tears to dry. I'd say she's an equal opportunity writer, in that she gives us all a reason to love her; so whether you want to laugh or become emotionally spent, she's your girl. And really, while the entire book has a serious undertone most of the actual suspense and drama occurs more towards the end, there's some deeply seeded things throughout but I fell apart at the end. :) Just sayin.

An emotionally jarring, discussion starting, thought provoking, tear jerking book that I believe is a must read. It will sucker punch and blind you, no lie, but in its craziness and brutal force it will open your eyes while breaking your heart. Here's my prediction, this book will rock the charts. It will be big, huge, gi-freaking-normous and you're all going to enjoy it, every bleeping second!

While I loved this book, I loved the tears I shed and the emotionally draining yet satisfying story; it is not a story for everyone. It is dark and rough, and it is a topic that not everyone is comfortable reading about. There are plenty of happy moments and some cute and hilarious ones but it handles some intense subjects. I do believe it sheds light in dark places and is overall a story of survival and standing up for oneself. It's a ray of sunshine in a dark corner, and S. Walden did a remarkable job!

2/28/2013

A Song for Julia Review

A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters) by Charles Sheehan-Miles
★★★★★
Release Date: December 5, 2012
Age: Mature New Adult/ Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Suspense, Love, Family
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Everyone should have something to rebel against.
Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.
Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.
I don't really feel like any review I give this book will do its depths and deep story any justice. It's a book you must read for yourself, feel for yourself, and come to terms with yourself. Things unfold perfectly in this traumatic and unforgettable tale. The author does a remarkable and beautiful job unveiling the darkest of secrets and pasts, slowly and hooking the reader in until the very end. Filled with complex characters and so much more, it's a book that should not be missed.

In the beginning Crank's name bothered me, then I found out his birth name and I was all, hello Crank. From their first meeting Julia mesmerizes 'one-night-stand' Crank, their crazy relationship builds and the secrets she harbors are let loose. He becomes attached to her, but she makes it very clear that she can't commit to anything. Crank's brother Sean is one of those characters I will never forget. His entire family really. Julia's family I'm still on the fence about, I don't hate them (her parents really) as much as I originally did, but I still don't like them. A lot, and I mean a lot, happens between not only Crank and Julia but every character in this book; it's hard to put the book down amidst so much being revealed and discovered. It really is an incredible read that will have any reader frustrated and anxious to get all the facts out on the table.

The raw emotion that drips from Charles' words is intense and frightening. To feel that much pain and hurt from the pages of a book is hard to forget. But, there's also some very beautiful moments and I love Crank and his crazy self. This book made me stand back and breathe between parts. One word to describe this book would be shocking. A Song for Julia is not an easy read, not a light read, and not a fast read; but it is an incredible read that will be forever imprinted in me. A huge part of this book is music, and I LOVE music, center a love story around anything lyrical and I'm sold.

I was expecting a good read but I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did, definitely a favorite and I can't wait to go back and revisit these characters. The synopsis is one of those that barely touches on the story, when you're reading it for yourself so much more comes to light. Way to go Charles Sheehan-Miles, I am now a stalker and follower and plan to check out more of your work! I will next be checking out Just Remember to Breathe, a book about Julia's sister Alex!