Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Publisher: Atria
Age: New Adult
Genre: Music, Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, College
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.
Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

I kind of stalk Colleen Hoover and as soon as she mentioned another book I may have, definitely did, squeal and freak and sit quite impatiently waiting for the release. Which felt like it took FOREVER. Then, on release day, I bought the book but waited a few days to start it and seriously read it the slowest I have ever read a book. Yes, I was excited, but I was savoring every second and detail. No lie, this book took me over a week to complete. I KNOW. For me, that's nuts. But, I didn't want it to end, I was enjoying the story and characters way too much.

My favorite thing about Colleen's books is the surprise journey she leads the reader on. Reading the blurb I always think her books sound pretty straight forward and then.. she does the Colleen thing and just completely blows my freaking mind.

The added element to hear the songs created in the story was so fun and it introduced me to another artist to follow. You need to read this book and I know a lot of you have or will, but those Colleen-virgins seriously need to jump on the bandwagon. You know who you are.

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Dirty Little Secret ARC Review

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols
★★★☆☆
Expected Release Date: July 16, 2013
Publisher: MTV Books
Age: Mature YA, New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Music, Drama, Family
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Preorder it: Amazon

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again…

Jennifer Echols books have always been an escape for me, she has an uncanny ability to create likable characters and page turning plots. Dirty Little Secret, while a good read, wasn't quite what I was expecting. It is a novel filled with music, romance, and family drama. There were parts I loved, like when Bailey shows her raw talent, and parts that I didn't enjoy as much.

Bailey made me think of Rowen from Nicole Williams' Lost and Found. She's in a dark place in her life and she's hiding behind a mask, a shell of the girl she once was. She's left feeling betrayed by those closest to her and betrayed, in a way, by herself. In the book she is secretly pursuing her love of music in any way she can and trying to stay out of the publics eye as her sister chases fame and hits it big. She's given up on the life-long dream she's had, but is awoken by a chance encounter. The opportunity she gets when she meets Sam is all it takes to help her follow her dreams again.

Sam is one of those characters that is fun and endearing, easy to fall in love with. But, just when I thought I had him figured out he became this heartless mess. In his defense he makes his intentions to get stardom in anyway he can clear, but he ends up hurting Bailey in the process. When he turns back into his charming self I had myself doing double-takes, like, what just happened? I don't know what it was about him, but I found myself wishing Bailey would move on. He adds a great element to the story but I wish his character was a little different.

Bailey, from the beginning, was hard for me to reach and identify with. Her parents are awful and have no regard for her happiness or well being. She's not a strong character or a likable one. She's dark and moody, and really has every right to be.

I don't listen to country music, at all, but Jennifer left me fascinated. Her musical knowledge and obvious research (or experience) made her an expert on guitar chords and pitch. The book is very well rounded and well put together, fueled by family drama and enhanced by an interesting background rags to riches story, it is a book I couldn't put down and had to know the ending.

The thing that this book lacked for me, don't throw anything at me, was heart. I didn't connect with these characters like I wanted to, the plot was not executed like I was expecting; it's a Jennifer Echol's novel and I was looking for more. I am still a huge fan of hers but this one book fell a little flat for me. That's not to say that it isn't good, but it wasn't all-that for me, maybe for the next person.

The next Echols book on my list is Such a Rush. I purchased a copy a few months back and I plan on picking it up soon and checking it out!

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Blog Tour: True Love Story Review and Giveaway

True Love Story by Willow Aster
★★★★★
Release Date: February 17, 2013
Age: Mature New Adult/ Adult 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Love, Long Distance, Cheating, Music, Writing
Format: ebook
Source: The Indie Bookshelf
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Sparrow Fisher is transforming. No longer dressed up in antiquated clothes and ideals, she is finally trying on her freedom.
Before she moves to New York City, she meets Ian Sterling, a musician Sparrow has dreamed about since she first saw him. The attraction is instant, but their relationship isn't so simple.
Over a five year span, Sparrow and Ian run into each other in unusual places. Each time, Sparrow has to decide if she can trust him, if he feels the same for her, and finally, if love is really enough.

I absolutely loved this book. True Love Story, Sparrow and Ian's story, made me crazy to the point of no return. It flustered me, made me swoon, made me cry, made me hurt, drove me off a cliff, and made me fall in love. Oh my goodness, I loved this book. I intend to marry it, just don't tell my husband.

I'll start with the beginning. We meet Sparrow and Ian in the present. Then we go back to when they met and progress forward. I enjoyed learning their entire story and not just a recap. It built up the steam and their feelings for each other weren't just instantly there, they were real and understandable. The story is told in Sparrow's POV and what I would give to hear Ian's! I'd give a lot, like a lot, my first born? The heat in this book, the stares, the touches, everything is incredible. a top notch read!

I love both of these characters but man did I want to slap Ian a few, well a lot, of times! What a boy! He thinks horribly about himself, doesn't think he deserves anything good, and kind of takes the boat down with him. He's a wreck, but I did love him. When the story starts Sparrow is this Little Bird with a big crush on someone that I felt was way out of her league, she may be beautiful but she was young and naive. Her cross country move helped her grow up a lot, the sparrow from the beginning (or present) to the sparrow in the past were two very different girls. Over the few years span these two continue to run into each other until the timing is perfect for their relationship to grow.

True Love Story is one of those books a reader can relate to, feel for the characters and become involved until the point of obsession. I wanted great things for Sparrow's story. I loved her parents, they were involved (to an extent when she moves) and you could just tell all they wanted was the best for her.

Sparrow was an easy character for me to love, hello she's a writer and avid reader. There are parts where she's packing and she's putting a dozen books into her suitcase and I'm grinning saying things like, nerd girl problems. She is overall one of my new favorite characters!

The beginning has quite a bit of religion thrown into the mix. Normally, this bothers little ol' me. But, Willow isn't pushy or anything, I didn't feel like I was being spoonfed to believe what she does (or her characters do). She's informative and giving us Sparrow's background. It works, Sparrow's dad and boyfriend Michael (I want to call him by another name ;)) are pastors and that's what her life is filled with at home.

Willow Aster I kind of really love you. I love your writing, your intense plot, your rockstar, your Little Bird, I have a new love for houseboats, for NY, and for clothes. I love it. I love it all. And, this is the book I am recommending until my mouth hurts from talking so much.

Read. This. Book. People.

My favorite line: “Keep that up, and I will have my way with every single one of those little blushes. I can’t be trusted.”

I especially recommend this book to fans of: Tarryn Fisher, K.A. Linde, and S.C. Stephens.

TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

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Blog Tour: Lennon's Jinx Review

Lennon's Jinx (Lennon's Girls Trilogy) by Chris Myers
★★★★☆
Age: New Adult (17+)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Family Issues, Health, Music
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon

Sometimes, we don’t get to choose who we fall for.

Lennon spends most of his time raising his little sister Currie while trying to skate through his senior year of high school. He prefers groupies with no-strings attached but finds himself strangely attracted to Jinx, the straight-A student in his choir. Lennon’s curiosity overrules his good sense as he tries to peel away the layers to discover the reason for Jinx’s skittishness.

Jinx conceals the black truth about herself from her friends. She won’t admit to them that she screwed up big time, losing her first love and what she once held most precious. 

When Lennon’s band holds auditions to replace their keyboard player, Jinx comes to tryout and almost leaves after seeing Lennon. Despite the fact she despises him, she joins the band to nurture her love of music that will hopefully ease the guilt gnawing away at her. 

Like the rest of his band mates, Jinx soon witnesses Lennon battling his infamous father for the custody of Currie. While confronting his pent-up anger at his dad, Lennon exposes vulnerabilities he had no intention of letting any girl ever see, especially Jinx. Their reckless pasts may bring them together or further complicate their already messy lives.

All of the characters in Lennon's Jinx have their flaws. They have their real problems, their secrets, their lies, their issues, and their intact humanity. They are not perfectly drawn up and they are incredibly frustrating. Following this story was not only tear jerking but memorable; from the beginning to the end secrets are spilled and lives are altered. As the characters come to terms with the hands dealt to them and overcome the obstacles in their way, one can't help but to plunge into the book and into lives of the characters. This was a book that I enjoyed reading. I liked the music aspect, the drama, and the twists throughout.

Currie and Zoe stole the show. Currie is Lennon's younger sister and Zoe is her best friend. They brought flare and an undeniable and crushing love that immerses all of the characters involved. Their large part in this book was beautiful and I looked forward to more as I read. He spoils them both rotten and is this cuddly teddy bear, or hunky monkey, to them. He's this completely different person around them and it's evident that he would do anything for them. As a rockstar absent father tries to wiggle himself back into their lives; Lennon finds himself torn between forgiving the past and holding onto his little sister as tight as he can. Heartbreak and devastation litter their story and it brought an amazing element into the book.

Lennon's role as Currie's guardian is defining for him. He is forced to leave his childhood behind and raise his younger sister. In the middle of his responsibilities he's never had a serious relationship and never cared to; until Jinx tries out for his band. Lennon, who begins as nothing special, really took me by suprise. He's the common male character that we have all read about. He's the bad boy heart breaker, who sleeps with everyone, and is incapable of love and a musician. Following him around the story I was sure I knew how it would turn out, but then as I discovered more about him and his past and this person he really is, I was thrown. Well done Chris Myers, well done.

Jinx is the ice cold girl at school. She's the smart one, the one who can't seem to get over her ex, and the one fighting demons of her own. She wants nothing to do with Lennon, but as she gets to really know him the layers begin to peel off. She sees a different boy than the one she's known all along and what she sees she really starts to like. I absolutely loved the fact that Chris didn't just throw these character together and call it a happily ever after. It's called real life and Chris writes it well. There was no instalove and no wrapped ending with a pretty bow. It's messy, complicated, and torturous for all involved.

It's a messy and complicated book, it made me cry and made me crazy. It's the first book in a series and I'm looking forward to continuing Lennon's journey.

Giveaways

US ONLY: 3 print copies of Lennon’s JINX

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US/International: 8 ePub or Mobi copies of Lennon's JINX

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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.

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A Fisher Amelie Moment

DOUBLE REVIEW (it's like a double feature only better!)

The Sleepless Series

Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie
★★★★★ and more
Release Date: December 24, 2011
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Love, Friendship, Drama, Ophan
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Life sucks for orphans Callum Tate and Harper Bailey.

Kicked out of their foster homes because they suffer the 'eighteen disease' with nothing but a hundred dollar check from the government and a pat on the back, they're forced to rely on a system that failed them miserably.

So they sit. They sit inside Social Services, waiting for their social workers to call their names and offer them the miracle they know will never come but they sit anyway because they have nowhere else to go, no other options on their very literal and figurative empty plates.
But as they sit, they notice the other. Although captivated, they each come to the conclusion that life is complicated enough without throwing in a boiling tension that can't ever be acted upon because they're both too busy thinking about where their next meal will come from but when their names are called and both are placed on a year long waiting list for permanent housing, suddenly relying on each other seems like a very viable plan B.

And, oh, how lovely Plan B's can be.

Well, except for the psycho from Harper's past that haunts her and, oh, yeah, there's the little issue that neither of them knows they're in love with the other.

Needless to say, Callum & Harper's life just got a bit more complicated.
“One day, you and I are gonna’ wake up and be alright. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day. One day. I promise you.” - Callum Tate

Two things occurred to me after meeting Miss Fisher Amelie on Saturday. 1). I hadn't finished reading Callum and Harper and was definitely getting my butt in gear. 2). She is amazing!

Ok. So. I went home, ignored my husband and plowed through the book. Tears streamed down my face, I slammed my fist into my pillow (more times than I can accurately remember).  IT WAS PHENOMENAL. It's been awhile since I was that entranced in a story. It is pretty freakin powerful. Ok. Really powerful. It's a powerhouse of power. Callum and Harper have amazing spirits and strength and together create just about the best LOVE story ever.

This author is as real as it gets. Her writing is flawless and poetic, her characters are amazing, she is amazing, and the book is set in NY. Who doesn't love NY? But, it's a side of the big apple rarely seen, it's from the point of view of two down on their luck teenagers. But, it's so uplifting even throughout the drama. I could gush about it all day. It was a beautiful and moving story.

Callum is my new book boyfriend. He has pretty much dumped all of my previous book boyfriends on their butts, they don't hold a candle to his brilliant and funny attitude. Then there's Harper, who is extremely beautiful inside and out, but has the ability to be a doesn't-take-crap-from-anyone kind of girl. Love, love, love them.

The advice that I can give you right now is, don't wait and don't hesitate for even a second. Go run and buy this book (and Thomas and January) because they will forever change you. Seriously. Go.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas & January by Fisher Amelie

★★★★★

Release Date: June 15, 2012

Age: YA

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Love, Friendship, Drama, Music

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Thomas Eriksson thinks he has it all figured out.
"People crossed the street when they saw me. I’m not really sure why that was. I mean, okay, I might have looked a bit intimidating if I was being truthful with you. I’d changed since New York. New York represented a life that wasn’t real, not truthfully, anyway. No, New York was the “young, immature, in love, idiot" side of Tom. The “Tie-Dye Tom of New York City” didn’t exist anymore. Tie-Dye Tom was dead."
January Mac Lochlainn thinks she’s her own worst enemy.
"I quit Berkeley. Threw away a full scholarship. Plans, you ask? What plans?"
But they’re both wrong.
***
Tom approached me slowly and met me under the light on the stone walkway. He leaned over me so closely, my neck craned to see his face. His expression was one of confusion as he studied my own.
“What is it about you?” he asked me.
I gulped. “What do you mean?” I whispered, closing my eyes and swallowing again, my breaths becoming labored.
He lifted his hand and dragged the backs of his fingers across my jaw so lightly I barely felt them, but they made me feel dizzy all the same.
“How can you be this extraordinary, January MacLochlainn?” He leaned closer, a look of pure frustration and anger lit his eyes and pressed his lips. “And why couldn’t I have met you before I realized I didn’t want anyone...ever?”
Life for Thomas and January will never be the same again...whether they like it or not.

I went into Thomas and January's story with some extremely high expectations. How can Tie Dye Tom hold up next to Mr. Callum Unbelievably Amazing Tate. Spoiler: he's not Tie-Dye Tom anymore he is yummy Tommy ;) And you know what. Fisher did it again. She took my heart and played kick ball with it, yes you-you devious author you. It's still what I would call a Fisher Story, it's her style and feel, but it's its own in its own way.

Thomas is a completely different character than Callum (Harper and January as well), you can't even compare the two because they are both well rounded and unbelievable in their own ways, but nothing alike. Where Callum is strong and independent (except when it comes to Harper, of course); Tom is emotional and raw. This book tore me to pieces, much like former, but in a good way. Fisher Amelie makes the reader experience feelings foreign and long forgotten, she has a gift and I can't wait to follow her stories.

Thomas is a band scout (how cool is that). I'm a big music girl, so this book hit me in all the right spots. It's also a see Europe kind of book, ahh, it is great. I want his job. I could do it. Maybe.

My favorite aspect of this book was the teasing and banter between T&J. They begin the story with a bang that quickly shatters into something less positive, but so entertaining and hilarious. As she did in Callum and Harper, Fisher switches back and forth between Thomas and January and it makes the book three dimensional and real.

In case it's not clear and I haven't expressed my feelings well enough. I love this book and this glorious author. Absolutely positively love it. Fisher Amelie is the baddest ace of all time, she rocks. She has officially joined Abbi Glines and Tammara Webber in the true literary rock star category. I am officially a fan girl! Thank you maam for coming to Tulsa, OK!

"I knew nothing of romance, but it was love at second sight."- fun.

And, I leave you guys with this. ;)

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Blog Tour: The Kiss Off Review

The Kiss Off by Sarah Billington
★★★★☆
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, High School, Music, Rock Star, Love
Content: Sexual References and Some language
Format: e-book
Source: Author and Blog Tour Hosted by Missy Reads and Reviews
Pre-Order it

When sixteen year old Poppy Douglas writes a song about her ex-boyfriend Cam and ex-friend Nikki, she has no idea that her heartbreak is about to go global. A local band picks up her song from Youtube and soon she’s along for the ride with her own fanbase as they blow up on the local club scene and hit the international charts. Though it turns out leaving Cam behind isn’t as easy as she had hoped. Tangled in a web of unfinished homework, ill-considered sexting and a new lead-singer boyfriend, Poppy has a choice to make between the ex that inspired it all and the rock God whose poster lines the inside of half the lockers at school. But as she struggles to keep her emotional dirty laundry private, she learns that the truth can be hard to find when your life is in the headlines.

The Kiss Off is an incredibly fun book, one of my favorites this year. I absolutely adore this slew of characters, the hilarious moments, and the cute love stories (and like stories). It's a tale of High School romance told by an amazing author!

Poppy is a great character. She was a normal teenager until the song she wrote is heard by millions of people, and one of those people is just a stranger on a bus until a chance meeting. This stranger, Ty, is one swoon worthy leading man. I just love the chemistry that Sarah creates between her characters (and not just the main ones, all characters are created equal in The Kiss Off), love it. When Ty's band plays the song, they make it big time, and Poppy is along for the ride. Screaming fans and groupies gave me this Between the Lines feel, I LOVE Between the Lines. It is just a great novel and I can go on and on about what I love but I think anyone reading this should check it out on release day!

Poppy's home life is chaotic. With two younger siblings, there is an endless supply of hilarious and sometimes embarrassing moments. But, what would high school be without some drama and surprise. Her parents are down to earth and another great addition to the story. And, although they aren't keyed into Poppy's life in the beginning of the book, they have a fantastic presence at the end.

All around I absolutely adore this book and recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent contemporary read. It's a wonderful love story that many of us can relate to. Being 16 is great, but Poppy has her share of rocky waters through the story. Read it! I can't wait to check out more books by Sarah Billington!

The Author

Twitter | Facebook Fan Page | Goodreads | Blog | Website

Sarah Billington is an Australian writer and editor who likes to write stories with love, laughs, suspense and zombies. Sometimes all in the same story. Her favouritest thing to write about are those horrendously awkward moments that come with being a teenager. Or a human being. Sarah was extremely accident-prone and klutzy as a kid and teen, so her cup runneth over with experiences of horrendously awkward moments to draw from in her writing. Thankfully, she has grown out of her klutziness. Mostly. She is, however, still an embarrassment. She loves a variety of random things, which include doggies (hers as well as yours), Swing Dancing, Ice Hockey, Roller Derby and she is a bit obsessive about paranormal investigation shows and channel E!. She writes light-hearted works under Sarah Billington, and darker, scarier and more torturous stories under her pen name, Edwina Ray. She also runs an editing, cover design and ebook formatting company Billington Media.

Tour Wide Giveaway

Commenters will go into a drawing to win 1 of 10 ebook copies of The Kiss Off and 3 winners will win the entire Sarah Billington back catalogue of ebooks (2 novel + 3 short stories).

Make sure to check out Crazed Bookie tomorrow for the next stop on the tour!  

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Breathe by Abbi Glines Review

Breathe by Abbi Glines
★★★★★
Release Date: May 16, 2011
Publisher: Wild Child Publishing
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Music,
Format: e-book
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach life-guarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island. When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star. Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationship's never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie. But can their love overcome the disparity in their lifestyles? Or will they have to learn how to without each other breathe again?

First things first, HOW AM I JUST NOW GETTING INTRODUCED TO ABBI GLINES' WRITING? My goodness, I wish I'd had read this book the day it came out so that I could have reread it 10 times by now, yeah it's that good great.

Sadie is a mature almost High School Senior used to being the adult in her family, since her mother has proved incapable of being responsible since Sadie was old enough to remember, and it's been up to her to take care of their small and growing family.

Sadie isn't looking for a relationship, but charming rock star Jax Stone may win her over yet. Breathe is an adorable and refreshing Romeo and Juliet-esque story about two people from completely different worlds who fall in love one summer knowing their romance will have to end come August, but can they say goodbye?

Jax is great and all but I will admit I was rooting for Marcus, another worker at the Stone mansion, and the first friend Sadie's really ever had. Marcus is much closer to Sadie's league, not to mention he is really cute and incredibly sweet ( I might have a small Marcus crush) and I think he and Sadie would be perfect for each other.

I loved Breathe, from the tears Abbi Glines had me crying to the shocking twist in plot that made me reread chapters to make sure I got it right. It's the kind of book I will be (already have) blabbing about to everyone, I'd say it's a must read for fans of contemporary romance and romance in general. It's a light, summery read (which also makes it perfect for the chilly days) that made me laugh out loud as much as I cried. No shortage of drama and the perfect amount of an amazing love story. I am now a huge Abbi Glines fan and cannot wait until Because of Low to come out (Marcus' story). In the meantime I will be sure to check out her other books!

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Saving June by Hannah Harrington Review

Saving June by Hannah Harrington
★★★★★
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Drama, Music, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: e-book
Source: publisher via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Harlequin |

Everyone's sorry. But no one can explain why. Harper Scott's older sister, June, took her own life a week before high school graduation, leaving Harper devastated. So when her divorcing parents decide to split up June's ashes, Harper steals the urn and takes off cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going—California. Enter Jake Tolan, a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession…and an unknown connection to June. When he insists on joining them, Harper's just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what Harper needs. Except…Jake's keeping a secret that has the power to turn her life upside down—again.

It's a soul searching and peace finding adventure that brings two best friends, and a boy with a van, incredibly close.

June Scott, the dependable daughter, couldn't take the pain she was feeling hidden any longer and she did what was best for her knowing it would devastate her family and friends. Her aunt Helen would probably call her selfish (and probably did), but I found something so human and relatable in the frail character, having never even been introduced to her except in memories provided by the other characters of the story.

With their mother breaking apart, and their father not around, June's sister Harper is left to pick up all the broken pieces of her life. Unable to deal with the drama pulling her in every direction at home, Harper decides to do what she needs to do for herself and her sister. Along with Jake and Laney, Harper takes June's ashes to California and has an unforgettable summer while sorting through all of her feelings.

The mysterious Jake Tolan is a man full of secrets that Harper is determined to figure out, like how close was he to June? I loved his character, he can be charming when he wants to, and sweet at times but he puts up this bad boy front that may not be much more than an act. I picture his voice like Jarrod Gorbel's of The Honorary Title, sexy and heartbreaking. Jake and Harper's banter back and forth made me think of Remy and Dexter of Sarah Dessen's This Lullaby. Hannah Harrington did a fantastic job creating a book that tore me to pieces on every page and still managed to keep me hopeful.

Harper doesn't take crap from anyone, but she also doesn't try new things. She's outspoken, yet enjoys being comfortable. Someone I think a lot of girls can relate to. And, she's not perfect, who is? She has become my favorite character in a book, especially after the part at the concert (you have to read it to find out why). She's as lost as any other character I've read about, but she manages to make it through this hard time little by little, and from beginning to end it's like a new character. Never wavering from her side is Laney, and on her other side is Jake. Together, the three make an unstoppable force.

Music defines moments in life, and Hannah Harrington's use and taste of exceptional songs and artists adds so much to this cross country road trip. What would a road trip be without great music? She found the perfect songs for parts of the book, and this book makes me want to make a playlist right now.

Bonus: all of the mixes and track lists found in the book were in the back of the e-book! I'm assuming the paperback would have the same.

I have no complaints about this one, none. I loved and adored it. I loved the writing, characters, story, all of it!  I laughed, cried, and cried some more. One of the best contemporary novels I've ever read and I look forward to reading more of Hannah's work.

I recommend it to everyone looking to get their socks rocked by a story about loss, first love, heartbreak, and moving on.

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