Showing posts with label Illness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illness. Show all posts

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!

11/13/2013

Blog Tour: Mine by Katy Evans


Mine (Real #2) by Katy Evans
★★★★★
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Age: Adult, Mature 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Illness, Lust, Boxing
Format: ebook
Source: The SUBClub Books
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

“I will do anything to make her MINE.” —Remington Tate 


In the international bestseller REAL, the unstoppable bad boy of the Underground fighting circuit finally met his match. Hired to keep him in prime condition, Brooke Dumas unleashed a primal desire in Remington “Remy” Tate as vital as the air he breathes . . . and now he can’t live without her.


Brooke never imagined she would end up with the man who is every woman’s dream, but not all dreams end happily ever after, and just when they need each other the most, Brooke is torn away from the ringside. Now with distance and darkness between them, the only thing left is to fight for the love of the man she calls MINE.
Are you ready for this? You can't be. You can't be prepared for the sexual tension, frustration, teeth grinding, eye squinting, and overall scream worthy events that occur in this book. My disclaimer: DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO BE CONSUMED. Do not read if you don't have room in your life for the Drama that is Remington Tate. This man makes me crazyyyyyyy!! Freaking unbelievably heart stopping CRAZY.

At the end of Real I went through a few stages of grief. I was crushed, obsessed, and NEEDED MORE. The wait to read Mine felt infinite, when the time came I put all other book boyfriends aside and immersed myself in the world of Remy and Brooke. And holy crap, Katy Evans. I'm starting Remy, the next book in the series, RIGHT NOW

I loved this book! Mine is an excellent addition to the Real series!! To get to read about Remy and Brooke again was exciting and Katy Evans successfully filled the giant shoes she created after writing Real, and then she made them bigger. How? You ask. Well, that's a surprise. All of those emotions and feelings are back ten-fold, prepare to be wowed people. Prepare to be wowed.

Full of the sexual attraction and chemistry that I loved about Real, but with more assertiveness; Mine was [to repeat myself again, I hope you're getting my point] an even better read than the first. When sequels surpass my expectations I get giddy for future reads. Katy Evans has a fan for life in me. There are some serious plot twists and nail biting corners in Mine. I will not spoil anything, some of which I saw coming, some blew me away.

About Mine, as mentioned it is the second in the series. YOU MUST read Real first. Must, must, must. Must. Must, Must. Mine continues Remy and Brooke's story and builds on it. After the ending of Real I couldn't wait to pick this one up. The story picks a couple months after the first book ends. We follow Remy and Brooke through their romance, drama, and crazy life. With everything readers adored from book 1; Remy's badass self and his huge heart, it's a favorite of mine for sure. I recommend this book, Real, and I can't wait to let you all know what I think of Remy (my review will be live November 23rd!). Go forth and read, read anything you want but make sure you also read this series!!


ABOUT KATY
website | facebook | twitter
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!


TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY



10/20/2013

Real by Katy Evans Mini Review

Real (Real #1) by Katy Evans
★★★★★
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Age: Adult, Mature 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Illness, Lust, Boxing
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Remington Tate has a bad-boy rep in and out of the ring, a granite-hard body, and a raw, animal power that sends his female fans into a frenzy. But from the moment their eyes lock, the only woman he wants is Brooke Dumas. His desire is pure, all-consuming, and REAL.

Hired to keep his perfect body working like a machine, Brooke finally has the lucrative sports therapy job she's been dreaming of. But as she tours the dangerous underground fighting circuit with Remy and his team, Brooke’s own body becomes alive with the most primal of hungers. If what happens between Brooke and Remy is ever as light as a flirtation, it quickly becomes an erotic obsession for them both, and promises so much more.

But their white-hot lust has a dark side;and when Remy's deepest secret comes to light and Brooke's familial duties demand action, will the pair be able to hang on, or will everything that once seemed so real suddenly fade away like an illusion?
Um. So this book was a phenomenal read for me. I was nothing short of obsessed while reading and after finishing. I did have my moments of; we get it Brooke, he's hot. But, it didn't stop me from enjoying every sexy moment.

For fans of Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster, Real offers a heart pumping and crazy ride of lust and attraction. It's sexually frustrating, nail biting, drama-filled and unforgettable. Remy's dealing with a lot and the way he handles himself made sense when his secrets were laid out on the table. He stills the show and I found myself wanting his presence on every page. Brooke is a great character too, but Remy is the star.

This book is not for the faint of heart and definitely an adult read, 17+. Everything about it makes me want to reread it, which I plan on doing soon. Mine (Real #2) comes out November 5, and I'm part of the blog tour so look for my review on November 13th!

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

12/04/2012

The Sea of Tranquility Review

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
★★★★★
Release Date: ebook available now!
Publisher: Atria Books
Age: Mature YA/New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Issues, Drama, High School, Death, Illness
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.
Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone discovering her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.

All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone, and everyone allows it because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Please Note: This book contains mature content including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.
There are so many strong and tough issues surrounding this book. It's a compassionate story of loss and hope and one that I found very refreshing in the way it plays out. It's an incredible book and one I know a lot of people will love. While a contemporary romance at its core, this book is much deeper than most and will work its' way into your mind and heart. Filled with all the rage, hurt, passion, and mystery I've ever felt in one setting and more. Not the book to miss, it is truly a must read!

Nastya moves a few hours from home to get away from her past; she's escaping the scenery that is all too familiar and changing everything about herself in the process. Disconnected from her life and loved ones she moves in with her aunt and starts fresh. Only fresh for her is faking everything about her life. And, she doesn't talk anymore. When she moves to a new school, where no one knows her past, everything she is trying to get over still haunts her in a lot of what she does and especially in those things she can no longer do. Driven to forget but never forgive, Nastya burrows herself in and her shell is on the surface dealing day to day. Enrolled in a shop class that she has no idea the first things about, Nastya slowly lets herself make an effort to be present in her life. Late one night she runs into a boy named Josh and from then something in her shifts. He catches her with her guards and mask down.
"You don't have to trust me. I don't have any of your secrets."
Josh was by far my favorite character of the book. He's known more loss than anyone can imagine and is learning how to deal, he's a strong individual. He'd rather be left alone but Nastya feels a kinship in him and doesn't really give him any say in the matter as she wiggles herself into his heart. And, there their friendship begins. It builds slowly and gradually as she shows up at his house late at night to watch him work and in silence they begin to get to know each other.

Nastya is an extremely complex character, and I loved getting to know her and her secrets (which this book is full of). The trauma she has experienced is unimaginable and she deals with it the best she can without help. I won't give more of the story away but it's an intense plot filled with shocking revelations and twists and turns. It has all of the elements in a contemporary romance and those of a suspense. This book kept me on my toes and my eyes never left the pages.
"We're like mysteries to one another. Maybe if I can solve him and he can solve me, we can explain each other. Maybe that's what I need. Someone to explain me."
A great addition to the book are the many secondary characters. They are fully developed, well rounded, and likable. I enjoyed getting to know each and think any of them could have a spin off book as well (especially Drew!). Katja's book is flawless and I can't wait until June to purchase a physical copy!

The Sea of Tranquility is one of the most emotion filled stories out there. It's shocking and heartbreaking and Katja Millay makes the reader feel all the pain and happiness the characters are experiencing. I loved it. It's not a light read, and it's worth every tear. I can't get this book out of my mind! It has honestly invaded every piece of me!
"Everyday you save me."
So, to sum up my feelings: READ IT! Right this second. Go. Why aren't you moving? Stop reading this and go BUY this book! Oh, and buy a few copies because it's one you'll want to gift around!

10/10/2012

Hear by Jacqueline Abelson Review and Giveaway

Hear by Jacqueline Abelson
★★★★☆
Release Date: May 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary, Illness, Friendship, Music
Format Reviewed: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon
Lots of people can hear, but how many really listen?
At the age of 17, Charlotte Goode has issues. Serious issues. Despite countless surgeries, her parent's panic attacks, and a well-meaning oncologist, a rare genetic disorder means Charlotte must live with recurring tumors. Life isn’t supposed to be this way.
And just as Charlotte is learning to cope, she gets some devastating news: Tumors are growing on her auditory nerves. But, the necessary surgery will leave her completely deaf.
With the operation scheduled in a month, Charlotte prepares herself for a world without sound. A world without the violin she loves, without her best friend’s laugh, and even without her boss’s irksome tone. Charlotte's on a mission to take it all in, while trying to hire a band to play a benefit concert. Will it be The Bond Boys or Lennox?
Counting down the days until everything goes silent, The Bond Boys’ lead singer, Ron Cam, sweeps Charlotte off her feet. He’s pure charisma. Then there’s Matthew Lovelace of Lennox , who captures Charlotte’s attention with his music and “that” voice. What will she do?
Time is running out. Charlotte must find a way to leave the hearing world on a high note without missing a beat
The amount of time and dedication the author put into this story is evident in the truth and pure passion the story exudes. Charlotte is one of those characters that will follow me around for a long time. It's a well thought out and delivered message about life, those we love, and dealing with hard times. It's also a tough issue and a dramatic topic told in an excellent way, not to put down but uplift. It's refreshing and an all around great read that made me smile.

For a long time Charlotte has suffered with benign tumors on her body. When she felt like she could finally take a deep breath as her life was going the way she wanted; they show up in the worst possible place and threaten to take away one of the things she cherishes most, her hearing. Hear is Charlotte's story. It's told in a great way, alternating chapters between the month before and time after the life changing surgery. This book is inspirational and mature, yet still holds that YA charm. Charlotte is 17 and makes mistakes.

My favorite aspect of the book and the authors talent for writing is definitely the chapter layout. The prose and fluid nature of the book don't suffer in this creativity, in fact, they flourish. Jacqueline Abelson has an impeccable talent for story telling, and is the perfect author to tell such a dramatic piece.

Books that elicit strong emotions are my thing, and this one certainly does. Like my hatred for Andrew. What a TOOL! Even now my face goes all frowny just writing this! But, then the author goes and makes up for it by creating a character like Matthew. Oh, Matthew. :) Like I said, strong emotions! Loving it! Then the added greatness of music that floods the story, there are links to music throughout and it just adds an extra element that makes it full and rich.

In the author's note of Hear, Jacqueline enlightens the readers on the lengthy and dedicated process of creating Hear. And, she also reveals her inspiration, Jessica Stone who was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type II at just 15. The passion and devotion that Jacqueline shows throughout this book is remarkable and as inspiring as the story itself.

As mentioned earlier, I loved every second of this journey. It's a tough subject, but rather than feeling deflated at the end I was proud of this young girl who has endured so much and keeps going strong. Thank you very much Jacqueline for the chance to read and review what took you so long to create, it was awesome!

Giveaway
One ebook copy of Hear, this giveaway is hosted by Jacqueline Abelson herself!
International, must be 13 or older to enter.