Showing posts with label Abuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abuse. Show all posts

11/30/2018

Review: Scarlet Stone by Jewel E. Ann

Scarlet Stone by Jewel E. Ann
★★★☆☆
Release Date: 2016
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
"“My name is Scarlet Stone, and my biggest fear is that someday I will find what I want most in life, and it will be impossible to steal.” 
What happens when life just stops? When one moment makes you question your entire existence? 
Scarlet Stone is a third-generation thief who has everything: a doting fiancé, a spacious London flat, and a legitimate job offer. In a single breath, everything becomes nothing, and she finds herself on a plane to Savannah, Georgia in search of the meaning of life. 
After securing a six-month lease for a beachfront house on Tybee Island, Scarlet changes the way she looks, thinks, eats—basically her entire outlook on life. She needs peace, but what she gets is a housemate who looks like Thor, acts like a warden, and smells her proximity like a Bloodhound. 
Theodore Reed is a carpenter and perfectionist with a body built of steel, a black, hollow heart, and a hunger for revenge. He doesn’t like company, girly-smelling crap, and British accents. 
He resents every breath she takes. She’s fascinated by his every move. 
In time, they discover their coexistence is toxic, their physical attraction is electric, the secrets they keep mean the difference between life and death, and the only truth they share is that everything is a lie. 
“Over eighty-five percent of the world's population believes in a higher power, yet, very few people believe in miracles.”
Do you believe?"

 I LOVE Jewel E. Ann's books. I'm currently on a quest to read everything she's written. So far everything has been phenomenal, but this book was a little much for me. Her writing is entrancing and all consuming. Once I start her books I cannot put them down, and this book was no different. Kids? What kids? Dishes? What dishes? My house is a wreck but hey, my heart is happy!! While I flew through this crazy story I was often cringing or shaking my head.

 Scarlet Stone follows Scarlet, or Ruby, on a search for peace. She lets go of her past and embarks on a journey for her future. On this journey she shares a home with Thor, I mean Theo. From encounter one I was not a fan of their relationship.. For someone who seems so strong her choices made her weak. Without giving too much away, their angry passion made me cringe. It was upsetting the way he treated her and yet she still followed him like a puppy. He has a devastating past but I'm sorry. No. Especially at the end, I wanted a different outcome for her. And his moods would go from one extreme to another. 

 Like I said, beautiful writing but just not my cup of tea, or carrot juice. Still a solid read! And check out her other books! You won't be disappointed!

9/16/2013

Blog Tour: In the Fields Review and Giveaway



In the Fields by Willow Aster
★★★★☆
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Age: Mature 18+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Race, Abuse, Southern Romance, Teen, Coming of Age
Format: ebook
Source: The Indie Bookshelf
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | Createspace
1971 — In the tiny, backward town of Tulma, Tennessee, optimistic, bookish Caroline Carson unwittingly finds herself in the middle of a forbidden romance. Severely neglected by her family and forced to flee Tulma to protect her secrets, Caroline’s young life comes crashing down around her. She finds refuge in a new town, but the past always has a way of stretching around time and stirring up trouble.

When a new love comes into her life, she has to decide if she can give her heart to someone else, or if she will always be tied to someone she can’t have.

The details described in this book may not be suitable for readers below the age of 18 as descriptions of rape, alcoholism, child neglect, and abuse are depicted.
In the Fields is an inspirational love story about a young couple that tests every limit of its' small town. It features two teenagers who were meant to be together, but are divided by the color of their skin. So much of this story is real and holds immense power. Set in the 1970s in a racist Tennessee town until Caroline leaves the past behind. From beginning to end this book is filled with heart wrenching events.

A lot of this story I think should stay a secret. I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to tell you how much this love story meant to me. It's also a coming of age that will touch anyone who reads it. It's so different in every way from anything I've read lately and it has left a lasting impression. Race has never been an issue in my family. My grandparents are both from Cuba but my grandfather is white and my grandmother is black. We've never seen color in my family, but I know that even now, others do. To read such an emotionally charged and disaster filled story about what some places used to be like was an eye opener and it made me feel so bad for everyone who has ever been denied or judged based on something they can't control.

Caroline is young and has already been put through so much in her everyday life. Her parents are awful and while one of has redeeming qualities by the end, it was still a rough upbringing. Her one light and best friend, Isaiah, is there for her through a lot. Through the worst of nightmares Caroline finds the strength and courage to move on.

The story spans a few years and Caroline's escape of her hometown to start over. She meets incredible people and really becomes an inspirational young woman. So much of this book put me to tears. It deals with a lot of heavy subject matter and a lot of testing times. Just when it seems that everything is going great for Caroline, something stops her in her tracks.

In the Fields is one of those books everyone should read. It will really round out your views on the world and make you think about what things make us who we are. Does race or sexuality define a human being or is it more? It's something to think about and an incredible book to enjoy. You will cry a lot, you will hurt and ache, you will be a mess, but you will also love it.

Also check out Willow's True Love Story.


WILLOW
facebook | website | goodreads
TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

8/27/2013

Dare You To Review

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry
★★★★★
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Abuse, High School, Relocation, Opposites
Format: ebook
Source: Author via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."
"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....
"I dare you..."
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...
I absolutely, positively fell in love with this book! It is definitely a must read!

Pushing the Limits, the first book in this series was amazing! It was one of my favorite reads and led me to a new favorite author (to stalk), Katie McGarry. Pushing the Limits was a down right angst packed emotional overload. And, Katie McGarry has once again created a phenomenal story in Dare You To. In this sequel/companion the reader gets to follow Beth, Noah's friend, through a rough time in her life. When Beth relocates out of Louisville and into the small town of Groveton, her life is given a second chance but it's something she doesn't want. All she wants are her old friends back and the chance to help her mother.

This story happens after PtL and we get to see slivers of Noah and Echo, and we also get Beth's POV on their relationship. But, this is all Beth's story not theirs. It was nice to hear about them in passing.

After a stint in jail Beth goes to live with her baseball star uncle, whom she wants nothing to do with. She moves out of the city into a rural setting and is supposed to cut all ties with her past. Her best friend Isaiah isn't having that. Their relationship is filled with kisses and they lean on each other, but for different reasons. Isaiah's feelings may be running deeper than Beth's. I really loved the growth of relationship between Beth and her uncle; and the growth in Beth in general. To hear about their past together and see how much he truly cares for her. Beth is rough around the edges, she's mean and downright dirty, all claws and bite; but she's still a teenage girl who needs stability and love.

There were a lot of labels in this book. The characters are immensely different and have these preconceived notions about one another. I really had to step back and think about the importance of Katie adding them in throughout the story. I felt that the labels served as a reminder to all of us that what you see is never what you get. When walls and barriers come crashing down it didn't matter what the other person wore, no one changed their appearance; they were loved for who they were. This book became a powerful love story and a story about one girls struggle with family and life. Such an impacting and forceful read, I hung onto every word; it didn't let me go.

There's so much to discuss from this story from Beth's mom's monster of a boyfriend, Trent; to the mean girls at school and everyone in between. Beth's "I don't care attitude" is cocky and full of it and the way she treats her uncle's wife is obscene and awful, all of these elements and character traits make this book three dimensional and real. Real, raw, and unforgettable.

This book is definitely filled with mature material and concepts and not something that I'd consider for younger YA. It's a mature and gripping read comprised of adult elements and situations. I fell in love with the broken lead character and her flaws, I also fell hard for Ryan and his charm. It's books like this that make reading and reviewing an amazing part of my day!!

Also, check out Crossing the Line a Pushing the Limits novella

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.

6/19/2013

Blog Tour: The Art of Love Review

The Art of Love by Anne Whitney
★★★★★
Release Date: June 17, 2013
Age: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Abuse, Art
Format: ebook
Source: Book Brats
Buy it: Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo
Marina Phillips has spent her entire life as her father’s victim. But enough is enough. All it took was one moment of realization to send her fleeing across the country into the unknown of New York City with no plans and no money. A new life without the constant torture is all she wants, but what she finds waiting is something she never expected.

Fitz is New York’s premiere playboy artist. Sexy, tattooed, and coveted by women and men alike, his performances are heralded as the coming of a new god of modern art. But when Marina wanders into his show, she becomes the inadvertent piece he’s always waited for – a girl to sculpt, to change, and to craft in his own image.

She never expects to fall head over heels into the world of parties, drag queens, agents, and artists craving for her and her benefactor. She didn’t even expect to begin falling in love with someone like Fitz, the sexy, pretentious man of her nightmares.

Above all, Marina never expects her father to stage a cross-country mission to paint her as a kidnapped girl taken by a psychopath.

With her life on the line, Marina has no choice but to accept Fitz’s proposal – change everything she is, inside and out, for the chance to start anew. But Marina has plans of her own. Plans that will rock her world forever.
This book.. Oh man, this book! It turned my world upside down for the 2 days I spent trapped in its pages and then it took another 2 days to recover from it! The Art of Love is raw and real, it's brutally honest and a thousand times broken. I am a fan, a huge fan!

Marina has had an upbringing that is unimaginably horrifying, and it affects her everyday. She picks up and leaves after an especially awful night and puts her old life behind her as she enters New York City without so much as a second thought or money. Once there she becomes a fixture in the lives of 3 artists who take her in and transform her into something new, something she doesn't recognize and hopefully neither will her past.

The first and most important of these artists is Fitz. He is eccentric and endearing, he's this crazy naked beautiful tattooed man with a history of secrets all his own, and he may know a thing or two about transformations. As a nude performance artist his work thrives when he gains a muse of his own, only Marina won't let herself open up completely and feels unworthy of love. Their relationship is tested throughout the book and I found myself screaming and yelling at these characters, who I wanted desperately to be together, to work it out. Fitz is a character that you can't help wishing he was real.

Derek is another performance artist, only not the nude kind. He wears clothes to his performances. Virdian is a painter, a Cuban painter! I never read about Cubans, which is crazy because we're AWESOME! As a Cuban myself I couldn't help but appreciate her goals of leading her own life and not succumbing to the future her family has laid out for her. She's kind of badass and protective of Marina, she rounds out the 4-some perfectly. The best part about this book is the family that these 4 characters make together. When Marina gets thrown into the mix it's like she's been living in NY all along. When her confidence builds it's like watching a baby bird learn to fly.

This book is just a phenomenal read, filled with cheeky moments and quite a bit of male nudity (who doesn't love that). We see everything in Marina's eye, as she is the narrator, but it would've been fun to have a looksie into Fitz's mind! It's a sweet and emotional story that is deep at times but quite funny at others. I'm head over heels for these characters and their daily lives and it makes me want to up and move and follow my dreams. Holding nothing back Anne Whitney delivers an exciting New Adult romance and coming of age that is leagues ahead of others in the category and features a dynamic set of characters in a new favorite story. If you're looking for a sweet and sexy romance, built around a deep and inviting plot this book is definitely for you!!

5/31/2013

Reason to Breathe Review

Reason to Breathe (Barely Breathing #1) by Rebecca Donovan
★★★★★
Release Date: June 2012
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Drama, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Family, Friendship,
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

He knows there’s something more to the girl sitting in the back of the class the moment he sees her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and athletic – but she slips quietly through the crowded halls, trying not to exist. Determined to get to know the elusive girl, Evan soon discovers… Emma Thomas is hiding a terrible a secret. Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.
I am still in awe with this story. I love everything about it. I think about it constantly and am slightly obsessed with the relationships in the book.

Reason to Breathe follows Emma through a traumatic and life changing junior year of High School. Suffering from an unimaginably brutal home life she keeps to herself wanting no attention because once people notice her they may notice the secrets she has hidden. She's smart yet quiet and best friends with one of the most popular girls at school who is one of the best friends a girl could have. When Emma opens her heart to the idea of being close with people she lets in a lot more than a normal high school life. Shaken and stirred Emma's invisible existence is turned upside when she's thrown into the spotlight at school which leaves her in the storm at home.

I was an emotional wreck throughout this book. Emma has got to be one of the strongest characters, I'd put her up there with Nastya from Katja Millay's Sea of Tranquility. She endures a lot and slowly begins to let people into her life.

Book 3 will be out in July, I'm almost done with book 2 and cannot wait until I get the chance to read the next book. I'm telling you now that if you read this book have the next book ready to read immediately after because you won't want to waste anytime. The cliffhanger is epic.

I love this book, Rebecca's writing and story is AMAZING. This breathtaking read will touch your heart and settle in deep. I highly recommend it to those looking for a drama filled contemporary romance set in a high school about a girl who is needing to be saved and a boy who is willing to only be her friend even when he wants so much more. I will definitely be checking out future Rebecca Donovan reads!

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!

3/30/2013

Wait for You by J.Lynn

Wait for You by J. Lynn
★★★★☆
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Age: New Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, College, Abuse, Realistic Fiction, Drama, Issues, Family
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…
Avery and Cam do the best friend thing, even though he asks her multiple times a day to go out with him. They're comfortable together and close, they have routines and inside jokes. The spark and chemistry between them becomes something stronger that they can no longer deny and Avery finds herself unable to turn Cam down. They form an annoyingly sweet relationship and become even closer, until a traumatic event that Avery's been concealing for years becomes a boulder in their way.
""Go out with me."
I smiled. "Shut up, Cam.""
In a lot of ways I thought back to Beautiful Disaster, while reading Wait for You, and Jamie McGuire fans will definitely find a new favorite in this one. From the secrets to the friendship turned more, this book will draw a reader in with the undeniably addictive premise and need to finish the story and have everything out on the table.
The group around us grew larger and over Brit's shoulder, I saw Cam.
He wasn't paying attention to Steph.
He was watching us-watching me.
Brit was a freaking genius.
Throughout the story I was rooting for Cam, it was obvious how made for Avery he was. He was kind, sweet, and thoughtful but fun and flirty. When he calls her sweetheart, I'm pretty sure my heart melted, EVERYTIME. :) I kind of love Cam and his family! He was the perfect combination of man, maybe too perfect sometimes. J. Lynn had me hanging onto every page unable to move forward in fear of the story being over. I became lost in the drama, and hooked to the love story, I didn't want it to end. Cam is quite possibly one of the best book boyfriends, dreamy and irresistible but down to earth and pure hotness. Plus, he has a pet turtle named Raphael. Do I need to mention my obsession with turtles? Or my LOVE for the Ninja Turtles! Ahh, so awesome J. Lynn, major points from me!!
""Raphael is doing great by the way."
A relieved grin snuck out. "That's good to hear. Did he pee on your hand?"
"No, but it was a close call. Brought you something."
"Turtle pee?"
Cam laughed and shook his head..."
Avery is dealing with a past that haunts her, but she's doing it alone. In a relationship with a man who wants to help, wants to know everything, and wants her to trust him; Avery keeps too much inside until the past catches up and she's left alone to deal with everything. She's never been able to open up and revelations throughout the book help her find it in herself to seek guidance and closure. From beginning to end Avery begins to lead a more normal life, with less anxiety. No one's issues ever go away fully, but she begins to work toward a better future.
"Everything was okay. Maybe not perfect, but life wasn't meant to be perfect. It was messy and sometimes it was a disaster, but there was a beauty in the messiness and there would be peace in the disaster."
I really hated Avery's parents. Their family image was more important than their daughters well being and they didn't even care to notice how much they were hurting her. Avery did the right thing by fleeing their clutches the second she gets the chance.

This book is filled to the brim with strong emotions, that will immediately seep into any readers heart. I found myself laughing at Cam and his antics, and crying for the girl shielding out the world. When Avery finds that holding back is hurting her more than anything, she grows and changes in a lot of ways. Opening her heart to not only Cam but some brilliantly developed best friends, her life becomes full and one that I myself envy. I haven't read anything else by Jennifer Armentrout (J. Lynn) but I plan to start now!

2/14/2013

One Week Girlfriend Review

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
★★★★★
Release Date: January 11, 2013
Age: Mature New Adult (17+)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Issues, Realistic Fiction, College, Abuse
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn’t give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.
But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…
Me.
I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him.
Forever.
At the end of this book I was a blubbering mess. Throughout the story I became tied to and kind of obsessed with the events and by the end my very first thought upon concluding the book was, "I NEED MORE!". Monica Murphy succeeds in making a steamy romance between two characters with amazing chemistry and she turns a work of fiction into something so much more. It is a real, tangible, and beautiful thing. I saw a lot of things coming in this story, and even in its predictability I didn't love it any less.

One Week Girlfriend is a tragic love story between Andrew and Fable. I sat down to start their journey, intending only to read a few chapters then go to bed. But, Monica Murphy enveloped me in their intense romance and a few hours later I had consumed the entire read. I need the next installment immediately or yesterday. Can anyone say, MARSHMALLOW? I've got it bad people, bad.

From page one I knew Drew had a crazy home life; as the truth about his past unravels so do the borders between him and Fable. The arrangement he makes with Fable to pose as his girlfriend begins innocent enough, she's his security, until they can no longer deny the growing chemistry between them. The alternating POVs allow the reader inside their heads, and it's fun to know that they're usually thinking the same thing when it comes to each other. When they let loose and their emotions fly, I was sucked into one of my newest favorite love stories.

I experienced every emotion possible while reading One Week Girlfriend. From sadness to joy, from outright disgust to love; some things that were uncovered made my head spin. Neither Drew nor Fable are perfect, their waters are rocky from the very beginning and by the end their little boat has capsized. They're going to have to hold onto one another to keep from drowning. But what I hope happens in the upcoming installment is that they drag the villain of the story down, tie and cement brick to her foot and leave her underwater. It won't sound so harsh after you read the book; which you WILL be reading.

This book is the perfect example of why I am head over heels with the New Adult category. It's a crazy ride of emotions, drama, and lust wrapped up in characters closer to my age than YA or Adult. Monica Murphy adds all of the things you can't put into a YA and makes a swoon worthy romance still within reach. It isn't far fetched, it is real and heartbreakingly outstanding journey. I absolutely loved it, but the wait for more may make me crazy!

About the Author
website | facebook | goodreads | twitter 
Monica Murphy is a writer, a wife and a mom. She drinks too much coffee and spends too much time in front of her computer. She likes to read, she watches bad reality TV and she sometimes acts younger than she really is. Though most of the time she's sure her kids think she's a complete buzz kill.
One Week Girlfriend, a new adult/contemporary romance, is Monica's first book.

1/11/2013

From Ashes by Molly McAdams Review

From Ashes by Molly McAdams
★★★★★
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Age: Mature YA/ New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, Abuse, Love Triangle, Love, Romance, Friendship
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
When Cassidy Jameson's best friend Tyler took her to Texas with him when he left for college, she was expecting his cousin, their new roommate, to be a Stetson-wearing cowboy since his family owned a ranch; not this incredibly gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl that seemed to make the world stop whenever she looked at him. Because of her past, she's only ever trusted two men in her life, Tyler and her dad whom passed away when she was six. But there's something about Gage that draws her to him in a way she can't explain, only problem? He's always telling Tyler that he doesn't want Cassidy living there and sees her as nothing more than his little sister.
Gage Carson was excited his cousin Tyler was coming to live with, and go to college with him. When he'd called to ask if he could bring his friend Cassi with him, Gage didn't care. Gage had heard about this mysterious friend since they were kids and felt like he already knew her. Nothing would prepare him for watching her jump out of Ty's Jeep though. Not only was Cassi the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but there was something about her that within seconds of meeting her, made Gage want to protect her, and make her his. Too bad Tyler made it a point to remind Gage on a daily basis that he was dating her and she was completely off limits.
For a year and a half, Gage and Cassidy dance around their feelings for each other as Tyler continues to keep them apart; until one day Tyler unknowingly pushes her right into Gage's arms. With Tyler unable to keep lying to them, they finally start a relationship both have been craving since their first meeting. But when an accident and disaster sends her back to Tyler and California, will Cassidy be able to come face to face with the demons from her past to live a life she and Gage deserve; or will the fact that she once again ran to Tyler be the final push that ends Cassidy and Gage for good?
Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.
Molly McAdams is a rockstar. While From Ashes didn't completely destroy my resolve to live, as Taking Chances did, I loved it for its beautiful story and the way it made my heart swell. It is turbulent and frustrating, but also a very rewarding read.

When Cassidy escapes the harsh life she's been living since her father's death and joins her best friend, Tyler, in Texas she meets Gage Carson and wants nothing more than to get close to him. But, unfortunately according to Tyler, Gage can't stand her. So, what's a girl to do? Give in to the one guy who has always been there for you, right? I loved that the book alternated between Gage and Cassi's POVs. I enjoyed knowing what they both were thinking, even if it made the entire ordeal harder to digest.

This book frustrated the bejesus out of me. Well, more Tyler than the book; I WANTED TO SHAKE STRANGLE HIM. Tyler is the king of deception. I couldn't help but hate him a little, even though I loved him a little too; he was manipulative and calculating. He's the best friend, the one who has always been there for Cassi but he is one of the most selfish characters I've ever encountered. This character flaw works in Gage's favor though. Molly created a love triangle that left me rooting solely for one leading man, even if I really wished the best friend turned boyfriend thing could've worked out.

In Molly's writing she excels at getting a reader lost in her story; for me, the outside world did not exist. This whirlwind story takes an exceptionally well developed turn as Cassidy ventures back to her home in California and comes face to face with her past. I was shocked and horrified for this girl and the demons she had to overcome to stand upright again. The whole book is uplifting, even when it's not. My favorite parts of the book included Gage's family and his home life.

I still can't forgive Tyler.

From Ashes is an excellent read. A book that will bury itself into any readers heart. I loved it and cannot wait to see what else Molly McAdams has to offer!

12/29/2012

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover Review

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
Release Date: December 19, 2012
Age: New Adult 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Realistic Fiction, Abuse
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…
That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.
Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.
I've learned not to underestimate people. Especially authors. Especially authors that I love. Especially Colleen Hoover. Even going into Hopeless and knowing I was going to love it (come on, it's Colleen Hoover!); I was still completely and utterly obsessed with and lost in Sky's story. Jaw droppingly impressed with this one. I more than lusted it, I more than lived it, I loved it. And, then I cried. There were plenty of moments where I laughed too though, but really, I cried, a lot.

Going into Hopeless I didn't know what I was getting into, but I didn't think it would be this. I didn't think I would become so immersed in the story that I would all out plead for things to change. I was thrown with this plot, I sank down on my knees at one point and just stared. I WILL NOT spoil anything. I will not drone on. And, I will definitely not ruin any bit of this book for you. The shock of the story as it unfolds makes it unforgettable. This woman is good, really good, Colleen Hoover is a great. I WILL say that it is phenomenal, it is heart melting, it is horrible, it is emotional, it is gorgeous, and I am still a mess (days after finishing it) just recalling what I loved about it.

Hopeless is told from Sky's POV and set up like diary entries. Every now and then the reader gets to glimpse at her past. Sky was adopted at a very young age and doesn't really have any memories from her life before. So, peeking at her memories really added a secretive element to the book.

The love story in Hopeless is epic. E-P-I-C. It is even better than Layken and Will's story (I know, I'm serious though). Sky has lived her life unable to feel a connection to boys, until she meets Holder. Holder is someone that Sky knows she should stay away from but can't help being interested in what he could and does make her feel. As their relationship grows a lot changes in their lives, lives that will never be the same.

If you want to be floored by a book and become so involved in the story that the outside world melts away; Hopeless is one of the best reads out there. It is one emotional disaster and I loved it with all of my broken heart. So read it. Read Slammed. Love Point of Retreat. And stalk Colleen, like I am, for news on any upcoming books!

In about 22 days I will get to meet this fabulous author and 2 others that I adore. I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT! Check out Colleen's blog for more information on the event!