Showing posts with label mature ya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mature ya. Show all posts

7/30/2015

Review: The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
Release Date: November 2014
Age: Mature YA, New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Supernatural, Paranormal, Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.
I needed this book. And when I read this book I couldn't breathe, then I didn't need it. I didn't want it. I hated it because it made me cry. And then I loved it because it made me cry. I was lost in Moses' story, in Georgia's story, in their story. This book is raw and it packs a heady punch, a sucker punch that I saw coming but didn't believe and then it came and I cried, it's raw and awful and beautiful and broken and fixed and torn. It's real and it's not real because there's this paranormal element that I didn't realize was coming but Amy somehow made this seem real. Like it happens all the time and while I read her story it did, it did happen and I won't listen to anyone that tells me it didn't because fiction like this is real. Amy's writing is real and it's soft and crinkly and that may not make sense to you but it does to me.

I liked that it was told in alternating points of view between Georgia and Moses in the before and after over a large span of time. The characters begin the story as teenagers and end the story as adults. I was very connected to all of the characters in the book, except maybe Georgia's parents. It's a dark read full of tears and heartbreaks but the book neatly folds together.

Moses is my favorite character. He's just. He's someone you want to help but you can't reach. He's hurt and in pain but has to get through things himself. He's funny and serious and doesn't know how to love himself. I love him, don't tell my husband. But really, I do.

For such a seriously toned book, I was uplifted and inspired. No matter the story you're looking to read, read this one. Because it's not at all what you're expecting and even through all of the tears I can still smile about it. You need this book in your life, You need Amy's writing in your life.

Other books by Amy:  A Different Blue, Infinity + One, Making Faces

9/16/2013

Blog Tour: In the Fields Review and Giveaway



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also check out Willow's True Love Story.


WILLOW
facebook | website | goodreads
TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

9/03/2013

Screwed Review and Giveaway

Screwed by Laurie Plissner
Release Date: May 2013
Publisher: Merit Press
Age: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, Teen Pregnancy, High School
Format: Hardback
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Flattered by the attentions of Nick, the cutest guy in school, seventeen-year-old Grace Warren, captain of the math team, lets down her guard and gets pregnant the night she loses her virginity. Hopeful that Nick will drop to one knee and propose when she breaks the baby news to him, Grace is heartbroken - Nick wants nothing to do with her. Her best friend, Jennifer, thinks she should get an abortion, but Grace is certain that her morally upright parents will insist that she keep the baby. After she comes clean to her super-religious, strait-laced parents, they surprise her by insisting that she terminate the pregnancy to avoid humiliating the family. But when she sees the fetus on the ultrasound, she decides she can't get rid of it. Deciding to save the tiny life growing inside of her, Grace must face the consequences of being that girl - the good girl who got knocked up.
Grace is faced with one of those tough-life altering decisions; does she face her problems head on or make them go away?

Grace is a bright senior in High School who makes a mistake that shakes everything she's ever believed and known. When she gets pregnant by a boy she barely knows, she is faced with the wrath of her "let's make our appearances shine" parents who try to force her into doing something she doesn't want to. When she won't do as they say, they kick her out, thinking she'll come to her senses and obey them. Brought in by a neighbor, Helen, she begins one of the hardest years of her life but decides to do what she thinks is best, not terminate her pregnancy. She loses and gains people in her life during this time.

Helen is a rock in her crazy world. She supports and loves her, letting her know that whatever she does will be the best decision. Having survived concentration camps and a Nazi regime, Helen values family and is loyal to those around her.

Screwed is an issue book; it's a what would you do book and a look at people and not down to them book. It's a book that will make you think, reflect, and relive moments in your life. There's a part in the story where Grace is sad for the adopted families that she's considering. She doesn't find it fair that they can't have a child when they want one so bad, but a teenager with no money or support system can. This is one of those things that I often think about. This book, while very fictional and happily ever after, brings up conversation and tough situations. It's a great discussion book or book to read in a group.

Have you seen the film Saved? Throughout this book that movie kept popping up in my head. When I start reading a book about anything religious I inwardly cringe. It's not something that I enjoy reading. This book was one that painted Grace's parents as hypocritical christians, preaching one thing and living by a completely different moral code. I hated them. The way they push Grace out of their lives and continue living, more so her dad. I know people are like that, but it's awful. And, it's awful to think how loyal Grace is to the fault of wanting them back in her life after everything.

Jennifer, Grace's friend, is a loud mouth pain in the rear. As a reader you can tell she has her heart in the right place, with Grace in mind, but man. She kind of made me crazy. Charlie on the other hand, while his dialogue was way to formal, he was sweet and considerate.

The book changes point of view a lot. One minute your seeing the story from Grace's point of view and then all of a sudden without warning you're in her mom or dad's head. At times the reader is even thrust into the point of view of other characters that make rare appearances. It got to be confusing, unnecessary and I felt the story would lose it's flow.

Overall, Screwed is a fast paced, easy (but not light) read about a girl doing what she feels is right despite what those around her want. It's inspirational and I can't even begin to put my self in the shoes of the teens who struggle with problems like this.

GIVEAWAY
The publisher provided me with a copy for review and now I'd like to pass it on to one of you!
Open to entrants 13 and older in the US.

8/27/2013

Dare You To Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/07/2013

Blog Tour: Near & Far Review and Giveaway

Near & Far (Lost & Found #2) by Nicole Williams
★★★★☆
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Age: New Adult/ Mature YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
There’s optimistic. And there’s Jesse Walker.

If he wasn’t so charming, his sunny disposition and incessant grin would get old. Fast.

Falling in love with the girl who had at first seemed immune to it, was the best thing to happen to Jesse since the Walkers adopted him into their family when he was five. But loving the girl who has her fair share of secrets is about as easy as that same girl loving the boy who seems to have none.

As Jesse’s life continues at the ranch, and Rowen begins making her mark in the Seattle art community, they begin to wonder where the middle ground is. Or if there even is one.

As push comes to shove and choices aren’t only needing to be made, but forced to be made, Jesse and Rowen have to face what their lives might look like without the other.

Can two people with such tragic pasts and different presents, go on to expect a promising future? Whatever the answer, they’ll need a lot more than love to make it.
Near & Far is the second book in the Lost & Found series by Nicole Williams. It is no secret that Nicole is one of my favorite authors and getting to read and review this book made me crazy excited. If you haven't read Lost & Found yet, please please please do so! Here's my review of L&F to check out and read that one before reading this book (or this review)!

In Near & Far we follow Rowen and Jesse through the first year of their long distance relationship. With a change of scenery, from the Montana Ranch to Seattle streets, their story is very different than when we last read about them. They're trying everything they can to make their love last despite the hours between them, but soon their busy lives get in the way. They have to work hard to make everything work, but when one of them shuts down and keeps everyone out; I kept asking myself how is this going to work?

There's a new addition to the ranch at Willow Springs, she's Josie's cousin Jo and I did not like her one little bit. She's trying to sink her claws into Jesse, and with Rowen so far away she definitely thinks she has a chance. Then back in Seattle there's Rowen's T.A. Jax, and oh man he is trouble! There are also two new characters, Alex (Rowen's roommate) and Sid (Alex's boyfriend/Rowen's boss). I kind of loved Alex! She's a ball of fun and full of surprises, always made me laugh. She's a fierce and loyal friend, even if she's extremely unconventional in her ways ;)

We are introduced to a new side of Jesse, and Rowen has to be strong woman to face his demons with him. But, it was like a role reversal of the first book and it worked very well in this one! Some things come to light and the characters are introduced and reintroduced to someone I never saw coming..

I felt like Nicole upped the drama aspect in Near & Far. There was trouble in the water in L&F but it seemed like there was a lot more happening here. The rocky waters build up and seemed to wither away, the ending is why I gave this book 4 stars. I don't know. I will not spoil anything but if you've read it and want to discuss, I'm here! I still really enjoyed this read and will of course continue to read anything Nicole writes, because she's fantastico! I'm looking forward to Garth Black's book (because the boy has seriously grown on me!), Finders Keepers!


TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY
2 Print copies of Near & Far - International
$50 Gift Card from Amazon.com - International



ABOUT NICOLE
Blog | Facebook | Twitter
I’m the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of the LOST & FOUND series, the CRASH series, and a handful of others. Basically, I get to do what I love. Every single day. I write romance because I’m a sucker for a good love story, and I write happy endings because there are too few of them in real life.






7/03/2013

Losing Hope ARC Review and Hopeless Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

6/15/2013

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!

5/31/2013

Reason to Breathe Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/10/2013

Blog Tour: Lost and Found Review and Giveaway




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

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

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

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

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

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





TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

5/01/2013

Crush by Nicole Williams Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/24/2013

The Collector Review and Giveaway

The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott
★★★★★
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Paranormal, Demons, Hell, Soul, Death, Supernatural, Angels, Heaven, Bad Boy
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher for review
Buy it: Amazon US | B&N | Amazon UK
He makes good girls...bad.

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.
This book is brilliantly cocky. Even from the synopsis we know we're in store for some impressive moves, but Victoria Scott takes bad boy to a whole new level. I wasn't sure that I could handle Dante, but I found myself completely impressed. His attitude did annoy me at first, but eventually we break down his shell and see the real man behind the mask. Dante's ego is massive and it adds this sarcastic and witty feel to the story Victoria's overall tone and voice of the book was set perfectly. When Charlie enters the mix we see the dynamic of good versus evil in a whole new way. For paranormal fans especially those who loved Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins and Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick this book is a must read!

This story is about Dante and his swagger. No lie. Dante is hot stuff and he is the ultimate bad boy sealing souls for hell; but he meets his match in little plain and ordinary Charlie. And, this my good people is how you make a good story great. Victoria Scott introduces Charlie and Dante is all, oh pulease I'll have this soul in minutes. But oh no, there's more to Charlie than he first sees. She is this great person and her charm and love begins to rub off on our bad boy Dante. And boom. I was HOOKED. I read every single word until the very end, start to finish (no small feat) but I couldn't stop. I love this bad boy and his struggles at becoming something more. I also loved the shape the story took as their relationship grew.

My favorite part of the book is Dante and his problem with labeling things as he sees them. From the beginning he thinks nothing but mean things about those around him, even Charlie. He looks down on himself as well and while I think he wants to be better, he sees his fate as sealed as well. But, he changes a lot throughout the story. He finds it in himself to become a better person with redeeming qualities and he stops at nothing to protect those he loves. His world is flipped upside down and he sacrifices everything for something greater.

I'm a huge paranormal romance fan and Victoria Scott has created one of the best books I've ever read, over any genre actually. It really is an epic journey that I will definitely be following throughout the series. The overall story is just awesome. I honestly have no other words, nothing I say will do it justice. It's a story everyone must experience for themselves.

I've read some great books this year so far, but THE COLLECTOR took me away and I have yet to land on my feet. It is currently number 1 of 2013! It really stuck with me and shocked me with its heart warming tale of love and sacrifice, I never saw the story turning into such an emotional ride, I was surprised and elated with the turnout. Victoria's writing is excellent and this book is a new take on the afterlife, a very creative story through the end. It's emotional and fast paced, it's constantly moving and changing and evolving. I loved it. Loved it. and I love it. Check this book out and also don't miss the sequel THE LIBERATOR out in September!

GIVEAWAY
I want to pass this book onto a new reader, it is sure to be a favorite for many!
I am giving away 1 ebook copy of The Collector by Victoria Scott gifted from Amazon or BN.
Open Internationally. Must be 13 or older to enter.

2/23/2013

Blog Tour: Focus Review and Giveaway


Focus (Crescent Chronicles, #2) by Alyssa Rose Ivy
★★★★★
Release Date: January 23, 2013
Age: Mature YA/ New Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.
Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.




Focus is the second book in the Crescent Chronicles, a series that has become near and dear to my heart. The first book is Flight, and if you haven't read it yet you should definitely not be reading this review. But, you can go and check out my review for FLIGHT.

Focus started with Allie and Hailey moving into their college dorm, with the help of those hunky guys that I adored in book one; oh and the man that is making Allie crazy. Levi was the icing on the cake for me in this book, and the last book. Everything about this book spells awesome, from the suspenseful parts to the adorable ones and especially the fun dialogue. Alyssa Rose Ivy's Crescent Chronicles is a series no paranormal romance fan should miss! If only to be introduced to Levi, give it a try, I know you'll fall in love!

As promised, Alyssa gives us more of Owen and Jared, my favorites from book one. They up their appearances as body guards to Allie and show up in all of her classes, it was a lot of fun to watch this book unfold as stubborn Allie meets her match(es).Jared really became something else in this installment, he's more than just a pretty face with a lot of conquests ladies. We get to learn why he is the way he is (sort of) when we meet his brother, Bryant.

I love Allie's character. She's strong, always stands up for herself and does what she needs to do. Even when her willful ways made me want to shake some sense into her, I still absolute love her. When in a tough situation she's analytical and while a bit dependent on Levi, she's reliable and determined. Levu and Allie's relationship is more than just attraction, while that is an intense and steamy part of the book; throughout this story, even in the time apart, I really saw them moving closer together.

This may possibly be one of my favorite sequels, ever. The way Alyssa ended the last book just about killed me. I know Allie's personality and I know what Levi did to her really made him untrustworthy but man, they're supposed to freaking be together. The intense stares and sexual frustration, and the chase, make this book like a book one. He doesn't really have the girl yet, or does he, it's consuming to watch the events unfold. The fact that Levi doesn't let up and doesn't give up, makes it that much more fun. And, then the bathroom scene, oh my goodness. Good job, Alyssa, you devious rock star you.
"You're going to kill me, girl. Kill me."
I felt like a lot of this book was set in a club, bar, or party; especially in the beginning. It really set up the college atmosphere and the New Orleans life. As more budding romances develop in this series I feel close to these characters, like I really know them. Following even the secondary characters, like Jared, from Flight into Focus I've grown really fond of them and am anxiously anticipating Found. Come on Found!
"Halloween was a bit scarier when you knew monsters actually existed."
This book closes wonderfully. There is a complete shock delivered at the end and I am on pins and needles for the next book, but I happen to love that. Alyssa does a great job pulling her readers in and keeping them interested, then hooking them like junkies onto the series. The book is fast paced and incredible and I recommend it to all fans of Paranormal Romance novels!
ABOUT ALYSSA
blog | facebook | twitter | goodreads
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.


TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

2/04/2013

Scarlette by Davonna Juroe Review

Scarlette by Davonna Juroe
★★★★☆
Release Date: October 12, 2012
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Horror, Werewolves, Action, Drama, Suspense, Witches, Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Author for review
Buy it: Amazon
Find the Beast ~ Find the Cure

Scarlette, an 18-year-old peasant, lives under a dark threat. A nightmarish creature lurks in the surrounding forest, killing the villagers one by one. When Scarlette's grandmother survives an attack, Scarlette learns that her grandmother hasn't suffered the bite of just any normal animal.

Now desperate, Scarlette searches throughout her province to find a cure. But there are those who want to keep their pasts hidden. As she begins to uncover the dark secrets of her village, Scarlette is befriended by a local nobleman and a woodcutter who share a gruesome history with the beast. To save her grandmother, Scarlette must unravel their mystery and solve an age-old crime. But as she pieces together the clues, Scarlette finds herself torn between the two men, both of whom want to be more than friends and hold the key to the cure.

What if Little Red Riding Hood was Real?

Based on both the Grimm and Perrault versions of Little Red Riding Hood and set against the terrifying, historic Beast of Gévaudan attacks, this YA retelling blends two epic legends, giving the fabled girl-in-the-red-cloak a new, shockingly real existence.
Scarlette is a haunting and captivating retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that takes place in France in the mid 1700s. This book not only features a suspenseful murder mystery but a plot that fans this way and that; with a great leading character and a building romance it is definitely a well rounded read. I also found Scarlette to be a sinister read; Davonna Juroe uses the horrors in history to spin Little Red's tale into something nightmarish. This book stems from the stories and legends we've all been told and the author creates a new heroine out of an ordinary character. A character with some charm and a large heart. She has her wits and smarts and while she may be too trusting, everyone needs a fault, she becomes this warrior and transforms her life into anything but plain.

Scarlette's life is stark but things are changing; beginning with a question her employer wants to ask her, one her verbally abusive mother wishes to decide for her. But, as the danger that lurks around her town comes close to home she learns the truth about those around her. Strong willed and determined, she refuses to give into the wants of others and chooses her own path. While her conscience sometimes catches up to her, and the prospects offered to her are hard to put down, Scarlette manages to strive in the darkness her life becomes.

Beasts live in the woods and while Scarlette knows not to venture into them, she does and it just may cost her grandmother her life, and that is just the beginning. As strange things continue to occur she is rescued by an unlikely ally, Francois, befriends a Baron, Louis, with promises to change her life, and loses her normalcy. The plot trudges on and grows into an unmanageable forest of pure darkness and evil. The lives of these characters will never be the same, if they survive.

My favorite character was Francois, even from the beginning I knew I was going to like him. His loyalty was unyielding and his character, while secretive, was comforting. The relationship between Francois and Scarlette is composed just right.

Davonna Juroe recreates the werewolf story while telling Scarlette's story of bravery and determination. As the secrets unfolded I was amazed by this talented author and completely trapped in the book. Scarlette is a bone chilling story about the horrors of man and the beasts that lurk in the night. I loved this book for Davonna's sheer ability to shock me and take me down one path only to throw me onto another. Everyone in this book is a suspect, even those we love, and nothing is as it seems. Thank you very much to the wonderful author for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Davonna Juroe

1/16/2013

Blog Tour: Vain by Fisher Amelie Review

New Cover! Same great book!
Vain by Fisher Amelie
★★★★★
Release Date: December 25, 2012
Age: Mature YA/New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Action,
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Previous Cover
Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. 
When I started reading Vain I hated Sophie Price. She's a horrible excuse for a person. My hatred was actually off the charts. By the end of the book she was one of my favorite characters I've ever encountered. Fisher Amelie not only breaks down all of this girls barriers and builds her back up; but she does so in the most beautiful way imaginable. She turns the self centered brat into a caring and selfless individual. Vain is Sophie's story and it is perfectly flawed, real, and wonderful. Fisher Amelie is one of the best authors out there, and Vain is the perfect example of why.

On the road toward self destruction Sophie is uprooted and replanted into a world she has no idea how to handle. Filled with people who have seen unimaginable things and people whose hearts are bigger than American cities. As Sophie grows next to them she sheds all semblance of her former life, she begins to care less about wants and more about needs. Her life is dramatically altered and in the middle of it all she falls in love with the most amazing man EVER. The best part about Vain is that it is a healthy love story.

The premise at first glance reveals nothing about what the story slowly becomes. The synopsis only tells us about the old Sophie, the girl I wanted nothing more than to strangle. Nothing about her journey and nothing about her transformation. And, that my dearies is why I was so captivated and blown away by this book. And, it is also why I won't share exactly what occurs between these pages, you must read it yourself to find out. Just know that it is one of my top 5 novels of all time. The emotions are off the Richter scale, the need to do something with your life after reading will consume you, and it will open your eyes to the world we live in. This world is filled with money and greed; when there are others who want only to be loved and secure we hold onto possessions like they are oxygen. This book tugged, pulled, and tore my heart strings. Every character was well formed, well developed, and utterly wonderful (even those who weren't). I read well into the night, cried, smiled, and fell deep in love with the story. It is a magnificent well written rollercoaster of events that range of action to drama that led me to all out frustration.

If your looking for a book that isn't just about a boy and a girl but the world that they affect; then this book will be one of your favorites too. Combining a genuine love story with one of the most heartbreaking truths out there, Fisher Amelie breaks the mold. She wrote something meaningful that we can all learn from and she does so beautifully. I love this writer and was privileged enough to get to meet her last June, she is a fantastic person. I loved Callum and Harper, Thomas and January, and now I love Vain. So, go and read it. Share the book love.


Tour Contest
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Find Fisher Amelie
Blog | Facebook | YouTube | Amazon | Twitter | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads


Read more for an excerpt from Chapter 1

1/11/2013

From Ashes by Molly McAdams Review

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

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

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

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

I still can't forgive Tyler.

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