Showing posts with label mature new adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mature new adult. Show all posts

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
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9/02/2013

Series Review: Darkness by Claire Contreras

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

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

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

ATTEMPT #1:

WOW...

UMMM...

UNABLE TO FORM COHERENT SENTENCES AT THE MOMENT...

K...

ALMOST READY...

PROCESSING...

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

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

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

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

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

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

6/14/2013

Left Drowning ARC Review

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

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

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

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

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

4/02/2013

Going Under by S. Walden Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2/28/2013

A Song for Julia Review

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

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

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

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

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

2/27/2013

Never Too Far love and swoon fest

Never Too Far (Too Far, #2) by Abbi 'rock star' Glines
★★★★★
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Age: Mature New Adult/ Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Love, Family
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
He had held a secret that destroyed her world.

Everything she had known was no longer true.

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him.
Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again.
What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately?

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out.
Fallen Too Far, book 1, rocked my freaking socks all the way off! When I got to the end I cried, I really did, kind of a lot too. So this past weekend to gear up for Never Too Far I read book 1 again, to revisit those crazy emotions and get ready for what I knew was going to be a TIDAL WAVE of crazisauce. I got pumped up and ready, then I purchased Never Too Far and devoured in all in one night. It was perfect. Beyond perfect. And I've decided to start a drinking game it goes like this,

you drink when: Rush says, "Sweet Blaire", when Blaire cries, when Rush says, "titties",  when you want to hug Woods, and when you want to slap Nan. Fun game right? We'll all be drunk! It will be EPIC.

I'm not going to go into details about the story, because I know ALL OF YOU are either reading it right this second or will be very very soon. I will go into detail about how much I love Abbi Glines. Woman makes me SAWOON! She made an incredible love story that really doesn't leave the bedroom for a while and I definitely have a Rush Crush (and a Woods Crush, but shhh don't tell anybody).

So. I love this, everything about it. It's pretty intense and wild though, very intense.

Abbi is my hero. :) Her books have this ability to block everything else out of my life. I escape into them, and they just keep getting better!

2/26/2013

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.

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2/20/2013

Blog Tour: If You Stay Review and Giveaway

If You Stay by Courtney Cole
★★★★☆
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Age: Mature New Adult (17+) Contains sex and violence
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Issues, Drama
Format: e-book
Source: Ink Slinger
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
24-year old Pax Tate is an asshole.
Seriously.
He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad-boy with a bad attitude to match.
But he’s got his reasons.
His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with guilt although he doesn’t understand why. What he does know is that he and his dad are left alone and with more issues than they can count.

As Pax grew up, he tried to be the kid his father always wanted; the perfect golden boy, but it didn’t work. His dad couldn’t overcome his grief long enough to notice and Pax couldn’t keep up the impossible perfect façade.
So he slipped far, far from it.
Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the ugliness, the black void that he doesn’t want to deal with. If he pretends that the emptiness isn’t there, then it isn’t, right?
Wrong.
And it’s never more apparent than when he meets Mila.
Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air to his hardened frown, the beauty to his ugly heart. He doesn’t know how to not hurt her, but he quickly realizes that he’s got to figure it out because he needs her to breathe.
When memories of his mother’s death resurface from where he’s repressed them for so long, Mila is there to catch him when the guilt starts making sense. Mila is the one…the one who can save him from his broken troubled heart; from his issues, from the emptiness.
But only if he can stop being an asshole long enough to allow it.
He knows that. And he’s working on it.
But is that enough to make her stay?
If You Stay is an intense and dramatic love story that unfolds into one of the most shocking books I've read in a while. It tackles serious issues throughout the story and builds, it was hard to put down, but sometimes more than I could handle. Courtney Cole will have any reader reliving the intense emotions that she instills in her characters, crying for them and laughing with them. The drama in this book rivals most and is the perfect mixture of truth, hurt, and love.

When we meet Pax he's completely broken, he's at the end of a dark road and he's drowning in the abuse that has existed for him. He's alone, even when he's not, and while financially he's doing well we all know that money can't buy everything. When his life takes a dramatic turn he meets Mila, who saves his life in more ways than one. And, the physical attraction between them is something neither can ignore. From here not only do their emotions escalate but so does the story. The past that Pax is so desperately running from (even not entirely knowing why) catches up to him and it's time he faced his demons. The thing I loved about this story was the fact that the characters tried working things out, they sought help, and things don't get better over night.

My favorite thing about If You Stay is Mila. She's supportive and brave; probably one of the most loyal characters out there; but, she stands up for herself. She's strong, not only for Pax but for herself. I loved the fact that she thought of herself as the girl and not just the heroine, she's fragile herself and coping with her own life and she realizes that and knows that she's only human. This book is a prime example of why alternating POVs should be in all books. Going back and forth between the characters draws me into both sides of the story. It made Pax and Mila's romance three dimensional and a heart palpitating read.

If You Stay is a powerful and riveting account of the horrible sides of human nature and the best sides. It's dark, grimy, and all-consuming, a book that fans of this genre will not want to overlook. It contains drug use, violence, alcohol use, sex, and more adult themes. I do not recommend this read to anyone under 17. I haven't read anything else by Courtney Cole but I will be definitely be checking more of her work out.


ABOUT COURTNEY
website | facebook | twitter
Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.


 TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

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.

1/08/2013

Double Reviews: The Avoiding Series

This review week I decided to give you double the trouble! Here are two reviews for the first 2 books in a contemporary romance series by K.A. Linde; they are pretty fan-freaking-tastic reads.

Before I being I have to dedicate this post to one TOUGH CRITIC.

 Mollie at Tough Critic Book Reviews had a Facebook contest in November where she was giving away a copy of Avoiding Commitment to someone who hadn't read it yet. I hadn't even heard of it, I know, so I entered and won and then became an addict. I rushed to buy book 2 (which thankfully was released by the time I needed my fix) and now I'm hanging on for another installment!

Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding #1) by K.A. Linde
★★★★☆
Release Date: July 29, 2012
Age: Mature New Adult/Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Realistic Fiction
Format: ebook
Source: Won from Giveaway
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Jack and Lexi never had a typical relationship. After 2 years without speaking, she receives a phone call that changes everything. He unexpectedly asks her to convince the new girl, Bekah, that he's ready to commit. Jack is calling now after everything they had been through because there is another woman. She can't believe it. Follow Lexi in this heart wrenching drama as she relives her past relationship, or lack thereof, with Jack, and not just in her own mind, but to his fiance-to-be. Throw in Bekah's hot brother who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, a past with more secrets to unravel than you can even imagine, and you get a recipe for disaster. Find out what happens to Lexi as she travels to Atlanta to get the closure she so desperately desires from Jack, and how the bumps of life seem to keep getting in the way.
Jack and Lexi are TOXIC. I mean absolutely, positively two people who need to stay the hell away from each other. They have this obsessive attraction that WILL ONLY GET THEM INTO TROUBLE. Especially considering Lexi is way too good for him, but she's not really all that innocent. I will admit, I was head over heels in love with Jack (I don't know why I like the bad guys!), well.. I repeat I was head over heels. Ok, teensy bit still am. Kind of. But, he's a donkey butt with some serious issues.

Jack and Lexi have this instant attraction to one another. One that lasts for years. But, after Lexi has had enough, Jack creeps back into her life for an entirely new reason. The king of noncommittal relationships has a commitment hungry girlfriend and needs Lexi in a new way. The book began as a bunch of waving red flags for me. I knew I was going to become emotionally invested and knew I should've put it down. But, what freaking ever. I had to finish it even if I lost my mind and heart.

It was pretty easy to hate Bekah, Jack's girlfriend. Did you read Dirty Red by Tarryn Fisher? You know how much you hate Leah? Yeah, I kind of hated Bekah ALMOST as much. I really hate Leah. But, Bekah's nasty as well. Following this unlikely trio, and Bekah's brother Ramsey down the rabbit hole made my week. Once I started reading I didn't stop.

The book alternates between the past and present. It is Lexi and Jack in college and the beginning of their "friendship" and then Jack and Lexi in the present in the predicament that Jack places them in. The drama that ensues is soap opera worthy. Some crazy stuff goes down. And I gobbled up every second.

I loved hated loved the end of Avoiding Commitment. It's one of those Ah man it's over , but I have to read more so now I have to fork over the money to read the next one, but oh yeah I'm doing it now because I'm not waiting another second to continue. K.A. Linde killed me. She made my eyes bulge out of my head at how ridiculous these characters are and I'm pretty sure my husband had to resuscitate me at least once while reading. It's an incredibly mind consuming and different kind of love story, one that will leave you craving more. Whether that's more Jack or Ramsey, you decide!



★★★★★
Release Date: December 1, 2012
Age: Mature New Adult/Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Realistic Fiction
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Lexi has finally given up her once destructive relationships and moved onto bigger and better things with a sexy new man in town. Just when she is starting to figure it out with him, her world is tilted once again with a phone call from none other than Ramsey Bridges. A year after his entrance into her life, Ramsey is trying to make amends and does the one thing she never expects—invites her to Jack's wedding.
The wedding she had evaded at all costs. But no matter what she does, Lexi can't seem to escape her past with Jack. But does she really want to?
Despite the explosive chemistry between Lexi and Ramsey, she is skeptical about trusting him after everything that has happened. When things are amiss with him, she starts questioning his motives. Can Ramsey be the one to remove Jack from Lexi's life permanently or should she move on with her blossoming new life?
Those of you who have read Avoiding Commitment may read this review. If you haven't yet read Avoiding Commitment DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW as there may be spoilers. That was my warning. And really. If you haven't read this one yet (but have read book 1), you may want to read book 2 before going on. Just saying. Confusing enough? K. Let's move on.

Avoiding Responsibility was a mystery. Set up much the same as Avoiding Commitment, past and present wise, the reader is presently a year after the end of Avoiding Commitment but goes back through the past year. The mystery? What is going on! Between what happened in Lexi and Ramsey's relationship, to what happened in Ramsey's past, to what the heck is Lexi doing now. It was a no-sleep-until-it's-over mystery.

I kind of, just a little bit, want to kiss Ramsey's face off. I KNOW. Conflicting emotions there (I'm still kind of a Jack girl) I KNOW I may need counseling. But, I do really like Ramsey. Maybe enough to say, Team Ramsey... I was wrong about him at the end of the last book and he ends up really being the guy I did not think he was or had the capacity to be. Mostly. Make sense? THEN YOU SHOULD REALLY READ THE BOOK.

Lexi has this best friend, Chyna. Chyna is this fun and out going, never stick with one guy-type. She was probably my favorite character of this book. She brought this girl power element to the story and was the one Lex leaned on and told her like it was. She wasn't one to butter anything up and was a straight shooter. But, she's got her own life going on. One that involves an evil stepmother to be. And, it just keeps getting better.

The horrors that Lexi is subjected to, well subjects herself to, for Jack is insane. He is by far her biggest fault and the fact that she ends up at his wedding and the festivities the week before just proves her self preservation button has been deactivated. But, I think going through the misery (especially at Bekah's expense) is worth it for the revelation she comes to. Come on Lexi!

For a second let's discuss Parker. Parker is just a girl. Just a girl who brings issues into Lexi and Ramsey's relationship, past and present. After the hell that Lexi went through with Jack, I didn't like Parker and what her showing back up in their lives could mean. I REALLY DIDN'T LIKE PARKER.

Oh man. These double reviews are making me shouty. I feel like I'm not even reviewing these books. I feel like I'm talking to a friend about them and expressing my likes and dislikes. Which I guess is kind of the same. Ok, I'm moving on.

Read it. Read them both and read them now. Then go and tell everyone you know to read them. And, be on the lookout for news about book 3! Visit K.A.'s FAQ page for more. Also mark your calendars for Chyna's novella!

Look for book 2.5 a novella about Chyna titled Avoiding Intimacy, due out February 26th.


Giveaway
We're doing this. Mollie gifted a copy of Avoiding Commitment to me and now I will be gifting a copy to one of you! If you've already read Avoiding Commitment I will gift you Avoiding Responsibility. 

So. One ebook (kindle or nook) copy of either book. Open internationally. Ready, set, go!




12/30/2012

Up In Flames by Nicole Williams Review

Up In Flames by Nicole Williams
★★★★★
Release Date: December 20, 2012
Age: Mature New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, Love Triangle
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

One small town girl with a bright future.
One smokejumper with a dark past.
One summer that will forever change them both.
They’re going . . .
UP IN FLAMES.
Elle’s life couldn’t possibly get any more small town than it already is. She was raised in the same home as the two generations before her were, her family owns the iconic downtown cafe, and she’s been dating the pastor’s son since she was allowed to go on her first date at sixteen.
Cole’s life couldn’t possibly get any larger. He’s tried. Roaming from town to town for the past three summers as a smokejumper, Cole dreads the thought of putting down roots. The only thing he avoids more than that is settling down with one woman, especially when there are as many willing women as there are trees in the forest he jumps out of planes to save.
Elle Montgomery’s life is going one way. And Cole Carson’s is going the opposite. There’s no reason their paths should ever intersect, even in a small town in central Washington.

But summer in the Methow Valley has other plans for Elle and Cole. After an awkward run-in at the local swimming hole, Elle tries to keep away from the guy who looks at her like she’s already lying beneath him in bed. She fails. Cole is about as successful at staying away from the girl who seems immune to his charms.
As the summer heats up, and tensions between Elle and Cole run high, he begins to realize there’s more he’s attracted to than Elle’s body, and she discovers there’s a lot more to the man that jumps out of planes into raging forest fires than meets the eye.
Question. Why is it that I am just now learning about Smoke Jumpers? Holy crap and holy hotness. Thank you Nicole! This book is really hot. I mean yes, it does feature a bunch of firefighters so I was expecting a hot factor, but it is seriously steamy.

Elle Montgomery is a good girl. She's always done what she was supposed to and what is expected of her. She knows that now that she has graduated high school she'll probably marry her high school boyfriend and work for her father. But when her boyfriend starts talking about marriage she avoids it at all costs; something inside her wants to be set free and that part of her is not okay being tied down. Enters Cole Carson who spends his summer at the smoke jumper camp near her home town, upon meeting him she begins to question what exactly she's doing with her life. Cole's philosophy of living in the moment and doing what you want piques Elle's interest. And so begins one of the hottest love stories, EVER.

Cole Carson is like sex on a freaking stick. OH MY GOODNESS. Nicole made me blush, a lot. And I loved it. A lot.
"Like sex, seduction, and sin had decided to get it on and Cole Carson was the result."
Amen Nicole, Amen. Loving him was so wrong, especially while dragging her poor boyfriend along, but who could resist that. Elle didn't stand a chance. She has this hidden spark that Cole ignites, a fire kindling until she lets loose around him. Everyone else knows her as the prude good girl, but for once she gets to be herself. I loved their banter, especially when they first meet. The chemistry and electricity between them was seductive and so fun to experience.
"Yeah, if I was an angel, then mankind was screwed."
Nicole does every single thing right. She is one of my favorite authors and when I finished this book I was reminded how wonderful she is; and I also had this yearn to go back and read everyone of her other books again! Nicole kept me up late into the night to finish this one. I couldn't stop once I started, and I started pretty late. It features everything I look for in a book and one incredible ending!

Other must-read books by Nicole Williams:
Crash, Clash (Crash #2), Eternal Eden (which is FREE), and more!

12/06/2012

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens Review

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens
★★★★☆
Release Date: August 2012
Publisher: Simon and Shuster: Gallery Books
Age: New Adult/Mature New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Love Triangle, College, Musician
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.
Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.

This book is hot. Like, literally hot, on freaking fire hot. I liked it. Ok, I really liked it. But, I can't say that I loved it. Book 2, Effortless, now that one I loved. Just to tease you! :) Both Thoughtless and Effortless are sexy and awesome and while I don't condone cheating (what kind of a person would I be if I did) I do condone following your heart and I know stuff gets tough and life happens ( I do try not to judge). This book is about life happening. And boy does it happen, a lot. ;)

I started hearing about this book through lists like: You've read 50 Shades now read these... And I was all, ehhh, why not. I mean, did I read 50? Yes. But, did I love it? Not really, no. It was a good escape but not for everyone. So when a book is recommended to me through that one, I'm a little skeptical which is understandable, correct? But this series, I'm enjoying this series. I'm glad I checked it out and can't wait for more! Where 50 Shades is steamy this one is real and real is so much more fun for me.

Back to Thoughtless. Kiera and her boyfriend move in together states away from her hometown. They move in with a friend of his who happens to be an extremely hot musician. When work forces Denny away for a while Kiera and Kellan grow close, neither want to hurt their friend but with the chemistry between them it's only a matter of time. There were some parts of the book that completely wowed me, then others where I found myself skipping ahead. It is a great read, and one I definitely recommend!

The entire book was perfectly frustrating. I loved that about it. S.C. couldn't have made it any better in my eyes. It did make me run to Edelweiss and put book 2 on my iPad immediately. That's how you're supposed to feel after a great book, right? The love triangle in Thoughtless is one that there is no right choice, it's all about choosing one and hurting the other. There were a lot of times that I was unsure who Kiera was going to pick, S.C. definitely kept my eyes glued to the pages!

It's hard to write this review as both this book and the next run together for me, they flow effortlessly. As Kiera and Kellan's relationship builds and Kiera and Denny's comes crashing around them this book gets intense, nail biting and fist clenching intense. The love story that is woven throughout this heartbreaking read is beautiful and crazy at the same time. It's a wild ride full of sexual frustration, stolen kisses, promiscuity, hot guys, and more.

11/24/2012

Taking Chances Review and Giveaway

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
★★★★★ OH SHITAKE MUSHROOMS READ THIS BOOK
Release Date: September 2012
Age: New Adult, Mature YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Love, Realistic Fiction, College, Friendship, Love triangle
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble (ebooks currently only $.99! prices subject to change)
Eighteen year old Harper has grown up under her career Marine of a father's thumb. Ready to live life her own way and experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit; she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family and emotions. Some she wasn't expecting yet, and others she never knew she was missing.
She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with her boyfriend Brandon, and her roommate's brother Chase. Covered in tattoos, known for fighting in the Underground and ridiculously muscled...they're exactly what she was always warned to stay away from, but just what she needs. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both adore and would do anything for Harper, including stepping back if it means she's happy.

Her first year away is turning out to be near perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.
Due to sexual situations and language, this is Mature YA/New Adult. Recommended for ages 17+
When I started reading Taking Chances I thought of The Vincent Boys, I thought of all of the YA/NA/ and Adult contemporary romances that I've read and I was excited but expecting pretty much your run of the mill romance. Oh holy *bleep* *bleep* *bleep*. Taking Chances is, well there is nothing ordinary about the feelings that I had after putting down this book. I cried and cried and cried. I sat in a dark room and stared off and was depressed. I saw the characters in my dreams and thought of them often. I was wounded, and it felt great to feel such strong emotions from a book. I loved it.

When I say more than 5 stars, I usually mean WAY MORE THAN 5 STARS. I mean, there is absolutely no number (besides like a trillion stars) that can come close to rating this book. So I'm just going to make a new rating. It's called "OH SHITAKE MUSHROOMS READ THIS BOOK"! Yeah. Now you know I'm serious, I don't play games with Shitake mushrooms.

Harper is escaping a father who doesn't really know her and a life she doesn't care for. She's leaving the East coast for the West coast and couldn't be happier. She befriends her fun roommate quickly and then is introduced to her uber hot brother Chase. Oh my Chase. He is just about the hottest thing this side of the sun, no really. But, since he is Chase, player pain in the ass (and sexy) Chase, Harper starts dating the sweet Brandon and then things get crazy.

This book is filled with sexual frustration, and I loved it. It's stolen glances and late mornings, it's a house full of crazy guys and a new family to come home to. It is just an incredible journey one that I am so thrilled to have read and excited to share. The best aspect of the book is the love triangle, it is done right and by right I mean so wrong. Because both guys are utterly perfect. I know who I was rooting for.

The way the book unfolds was heart breaking and intense. It is one of the most emotionally shattering books I've ever read and this feeling in my heart won't go away. It is everything I look for in a contemporary romance and those things I didn't think to look for.

GIVEAWAY
One Kindle copy of Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
ends 12/1 at Midnight CST
I haven't been crazy about Rafflecopter lately, so.. I am going old school with this giveaway. 
Fill out the form to enter.
International.
Must be 13 or older to enter.
Plenty of ways to gain extra entries.

ENTER
Closed to entries

11/03/2012

Just for Now Review

Just for Now (Sea Breeze #4) by Abbi Glines
★★★★☆
Release Date: October 31, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Age: Adult/Mature New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.
The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food. He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…
There was this girl.
She was as innocent as he was tainted.
Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.
Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.
I will forever read Abbi's books, they suck me in and rarely ever spit me out in one piece. This is a note to everyone reading this. Once you start, you will not stop. You will be buying/borrowing/loaning all of her books, you will be up late into the night, and you will freaking enjoy every single moment lost in her books.

Just for Now is the 4th Sea Breeze book. First came Breathe, then Because of Low, and third was While it Lasts. While each book is it's own and you definitely don't have to read them in order, I would. There will be little pieces in each relating to past books and they are all so unbelievably awesome that you don't want to miss a second!

If I was going to sum up Just for Now in one it would be, complicated. Abbi Glines is good about that, writing these deep and frustrating love stories that are so intense, meaningful, and keep the reader turning pages. I never want them to end. Preston Drake has some serious issues he is dealing with and is doing what he feels he needs to do. Then, along comes little Amanda Hardy to mess it all up. She rocks his boat and alters his life, but the question I kept asking myself was, is it enough to change him?

The chemistry and attraction between Manda and Preston comes full-force-Abbi (I'm coining that term). This woman throws out everything she's got in her exceptionally enticing and mostly forbidden romances. From Beau and Ashton, to Cage and Eva, and now Amanda and Preston. Full fledge rock star status Miss Abbi!

Preston hasn't had an easy life. While his ego seems to be unhindered to the flocks of woman batting eyelashes at him, deep down he's hurting. Amanda Hardy has done everything she possibly could to get his attention over the years, and when he finally notices her one night it results in one of the steamiest craziest beginnings of any book I've come into contact with.

I highly recommend this book for fans of Tammara Webber, Nicole Williams, Colleen Hoover, and Liz Reinhardt! And, of course to those of us who will follow Abbi to the ends of the earth, don't miss this one!