Saturday, June 29, 2013

Afflicted Review



Book Review June 7
Afflicted (Battlescars #2) 
by: Sophie Monroe
1.5 Stars ★☆

Blurb: Fresh off tour Blake Potter, the sexy bassist for Battlescars, is in Smithville, Ohio to work on their next album ‘Coming Clean’. Still pining after Aubrey’s best friend, Piper, it’s going to be harder than he expected to see her back with her long-­‐ term boyfriend, Cole. He’s trying his hardest to forget her, but not matter how hard he tries to stay away circumstances keep bringing them together. Being burned before, he refuses to let it happen again. He’s still struggling to let go of Rowan, the girl that made him the way he is.

Piper is fighting an uphill battle of her own. She’s working her ass off trying to make a name for herself as a tattoo artist. Her long-­‐term boyfriend, Cole, was recently discharged from the Marines turning her world in a way that she never expected. When he begins leaving for days at a time Piper starts struggling to help him pick up the pieces. She calls the one person that might be able to help, Blake. He becomes the friend that she needs no matter how much it’s killing him.

What will happen when one phone call changes everything for both of them leading them in a path that neither anticipated? Pasts will come out of the shadows and threaten to ruin everything.
Review 
So I loved Battlescars. It was fantastic. Even Blake and Piper were a bunch of fun times. But Afflicted … I don’t even know where to start. Did I like it???? Not so much. In fact it’s like Blake and Piper weren’t even the same characters we met in Battlescars. I cannot believe how often I wanted to give up. Mostly given the fact I could not walk up to them both and smack them upside the head. All I kept thinking, since about 20 pages in was how stupid they both were. Even the way they spoke seemed ridiculous to me. 

Friday, June 28, 2013

Every Rose Feature/Spotlight/Giveaway & Review



Title: Every Rose
Author: Lynetta Halat

Blurb ~What do you do when you realize you were foolish enough to throw away true, unconditional love?
 
Lorraina Dabney turns her back on her creativity and tumultuous upbringing to embark on a college career that will lead her to law school and to becoming what she values most in life—a controlled, powerful, respected woman. When she stumbles upon her childhood friend's artwork, she feels inspired to reconnect with him and her former self.  This onslaught of emotion will send Lorraina into a tale-spin to figure out exactly why she abandoned all that she was, all that she could've been.

Coming from his own chaotic upbringing, Michael falls quickly and deeply in love with Lorraina at a tender age. Even her rejection can't stand in the way of his obsession. When she starts to date other boys, however, Michael finally relents, causing him to spiral further into a world filled with violence, drugs, alcohol, and women. Realizing his lifestyle will only lead to his further estrangement from Lorraina, Michael sets about to turn himself around before going to get his girl.
Michael Bang will have Lorraina questioning everything.

MY REVIEW
It is literally almost impossible for me to write this review. Why?? Considering it’s been a few days since I read Every Rose, one would think I’d have moved on. Well, you thought wrong. Every Rose is so amazing there are not enough adjectives to cover it’s amazingness in the dictionary. Every Rose is about rediscovering an old friend and an old romance and realizing what you thought you never wanted is exactly what you want and need. 
“Even the most beautiful flower, the rose, has the thorn that makes it imperfect.”-Michael
Lorraina (heroine and narrator) has a rocky childhood in which she met Michael, whom claimed at 15 that she would be his wife. All through school, Lorraina spurns Michael’s advances and instead calls him her best friend. Ten years later, Lorraina is ready to take it back and let Michael in now realizing he is and always has been her one true love and the one thing she needs in her life. 
The beginning of the story is ingenious because as Lorraina journals memories of her and Michael’s past, we get to see the beginning of them from their introduction to Michael’s HUGE crush. In ways Michael is like the crush we all had in school, only Michael is determined that no matter how long it takes Lorraina will be his. 
“I’ve always known that I loved Michael, but I’d managed to convince myself that it was a friendly, or even brotherly, love. The feelings that are threatening to consume me now are anything but platonic.“-Lorraina
Michael is the best and now my favorite book boyfriend ever. The best way to describe him is a reformed bad-boy who still sports tattoos, biker boots, has some anger issues but can serenade you till your clothes fall off.
I don’t want to say any more about it, in fact I refuse, because everyone needs to read Every Rose. It is a beautiful love story that will literally bring you to tears and make your heart smile. There were things that shocked me especially when it came to Michael, his beliefs and life but even more so was the connection these two shared even after spending ten years apart. In all that time Michael held out hope and tried to make himself a person worthy of his Lorraina. Let’s take an Awwww moment… Even Lorraina was a joy of a character because there’s at least one if not more endearing qualities everyone can relate to and once she decided Michael is what and who she wants, she lets nothing and no one stand in her way. Can’t fault her for that, trust me, we all need a little Michael in our lives….. 
*Beware minor spoiler below*
On a side note, there is something that happens in this book that will literally make you feel like your life is over. Somehow though (at least for me) I was able to keep going. Maybe it was the remarkable writing style of Lynetta Halat or perhaps just Lorraina herself, but somehow it works. I won’t admit to not wanting to throw things at first and shove my face into a pillow to sob but at the end of the day I could not discount how amazing every page in this book was and how happy, no, delighted I am to have read it.

Author Bio
For as long as she can remember, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written countless stories and plays since she was a young girl. A teacher by day and an avid reader and closet writer by night, she has always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember; and her first novel, Every Rose, is the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing. Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia. A self-proclaimed "Coast Girl," she lives in Mississippi with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. She is currently at work on her second book.

Social Links
Book trailers:
Playlist Link
Buy Links

Giveaway
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EXCERPT
Michael shakes his head and grins at me. I fight the sudden urge to run my hands through that silky midnight hair of his. “Always so quick to label and categorize.  I guess that’s what will make you an excellent attorney. Assess. Label. Categorize. Add up the W’s. ” He leans in a little and whispers, “How about we just go with the flow? See where it leads us. Label later?” He raises his brows, offering my type-A dominant personality a direct challenge.

Caution to the wind, very atypical for me, I reply, “OK. I’m up for it.” Challenge accepted. “You?” Challenge returned.

“You bet, Lorraina,” he rasps softly.

He leans into my door and places his hands on top of mine. I’m suddenly quite anxious and ever so grateful for the door between us. My hands get clammy and my heart races. Blood races and pounds in my ears, making me feel very much awake now. One hand moves up to brush my hair from my forehead and moves down feather light until his knuckles brush across my cheekbone and lips. He pulls his thumb slowly across my lips. It’s excruciating. It’s exquisite.

Both of his hands come forward to frame my face gently, and he pulls me in for a kiss. A too quick kiss. It’s over before I realize it’s even begun. He gives me a half smile and turns and walks away.
“Michael!” My voice barely sounds human. More animal in nature. It’s raw with ache.

He turns and takes two long strides back to me. This time when he grasps my head it’s anything but gentle. He pulls my lip in and nudges my lips open with his. All rational thought escapes me. I mirror his grasp and enjoy the fullness I feel with him in my mouth. I give as good as I get. This kiss is nothing like our two before. I savor it.

When he turns to walk away, I release a long pent up breath. If he would’ve looked back, he would’ve seen that I was the one on my knees now.

HAPPY READING!!!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Fallen Crest Family Release Blitz and Review

Fallen Crest Family(#2)
by: Tijan

Released: June 18, 2013
Blurb ~ Samantha and Mason are together. Everyone knows it. Not everyone is dealing with it. While Mason’s ready to give them the middle finger, there’s one not going away. Her mother. Threats are issued. Ultimatums are given. Even blackmail is used, but only Samantha can put a stop to Analise. However, when a trauma from her past is triggered, she may not have the courage or strength to do what’s needed. If she doesn't, Mason’s future could be destroyed.
Review 
*ARC received from author for Honest Review* 
Tijan has once again blown my mind and surpassed the limits of great writing. Since I used the word Phenomenal in my review of Fallen Crest High, it certainly applies here as well. Though the last book did not end with a cliff-hanger it was clear this trio’s story was far from over. The book starts about two months after FCH ends. And looking back now only a summer passes but the drama is crazier than ever and insults, clothes and cheerleaders are flying all over the place. 
I’ve read some reviews where reviewers are upset by the drama in the book. I however, was not as surprised by it all. That being said I really enjoyed the book and in some ways it did seem like a filler before the next book but I think it was necessary as the titles states to really focus on the Family. Take out the Crest and Fallen Family really does a good job of showcasing what a broken, dysfunctional bunch they are. Samantha’s mom somehow makes her earlier crazy seem like a walk in the park. I actually found myself becoming vicious and bloodthirsty hoping the guys would let loose on her. Her poor mom just can’t stand how Samantha’s been accepted into the fam and she never will. Trust me, the crazy we saw from her in book 1, is nothing compared to what she lets loose in Fallen Crest Family.  

 I loved seeing this side of Sam. Sure she’s had her fair share of emotional trauma, especially at the hands of her mom but everyone breaks. No one can be strong forever and though her take no prisoners attitude is wavering in this story I felt more connected to her this time around. You can only be strong and indifferent for so long before it all catches up to you and your strength is tested. Sam’s is put to the test here, mostly by her mother and I can only hope she gets back to herself and finally puts her mother in her place where she belongs=a psycho ward!! 

We don’t see much of the return of Sam’s old friends. In fact now that she’s been initiated so-to-speak by Mason and Logan, they are really the only ones she needs. Yet being their sister and dating her step-brother can cause a few bumps in the road. Unfortunately for Sam this happens when the other females in town harbor a passionate for her because of who she lives with and who she’s dating as if she had a choice. Get over it bitches; Sam rocks and Mason/Logan make sure everyone knows they have her back. It’s really kind of awesome like they’re in their own gang. In some weird way this book brought me back to high school more than ever and more than anything I’ve read before. Sometimes it’s hard to create a realistic setting because of the overdone cattiness of the characters but I think Tijan nailed it. At least in my neighborhood this is how shit goes down. High school kids are beyond mean and parents are not always in the right. The sarcasm is off the charts, the drama is reality-TV worthy and the backstabbing bitches are meaner than ever. They’ve yet to allow Sam time to warm up and get back to her old ways, I’m holding high hopes for book #3 Fallen Crest Public set for release in December.

Besides loving this I can’t say much more. I sure as hell didn't want it to end and I wish it was as long as book one. But if you've read Fallen Crest High and fallen in love with the brothers, than look no further because you will certainly get your fix here and leave you panting for more which is supposed to be released sometime in December, right around Christmas. YIPPEE…



Oh and lastly I felt it important to point out that there is no love triangle or backstabbing like the cover suggests. I know I was a bit worried when it was revealed but alas, there is enough drama without this added in so I hope I’ve set some fears aside.

The Series on Goodreads

HAPPY READING!!!

Breaking the Rules Cover Reveal


Title: Breaking the Rules
Author: H.B. Heinzer
Release date: August 1st


Bent (book 1 in the Back to Brooklyn Series) FREE on June 25th-27th on Amazon

Blessed Tragedy will be free on Amazon Friday - Sunday June 30


 Blurb ~ Growing up in small town Wisconsin, Carly Turner couldn't wait to escape when she graduated high school. Now, she's living the life in New York City, even if she isn't seeing her name in lights like she used to dream about at night. She's living paycheck-to-paycheck, working behind the scenes in small theaters off Broadway. When there's an equipment malfunction the week before opening night, Carly makes a call that winds up changing everything.

Life in the city isn't all it's cracked up to be. While she feels like she's getting closer to making the move from behind the scenes to center stage, she misses being surrounded by people who understand the quirks that come from living in a town of five thousand people. That, and the fact that he's sexy as sin, make Adam everything she feels like she's missing. 


The only problem? He's her best friend's kid brother...



Adam Sanders wants to settle down, find a good woman and start a family like he sees so many of his friends doing. But how is he supposed to meet Ms. Right when he's constantly on the road for work? When he's sent to New York to handle a repair that would typically be contracted out as a favor to his boss, he's just about to his breaking point.

Everything changes when the stagehand sent to open the theater for him is none other than his big sister's childhood friend. The same girl he lusted after as a teenager. Could this be fate's way of showing him that he was looking in the wrong place for love? 


As Adam and Carly's friendship develops, lines will be crossed and rules will be broken. Will they be able to come out the other side without destroying everything they had back in Brooklyn?


Author Bio:

With the exception of three years spent in the middle of Nebraska, H.B. Heinzer has called southern Wisconsin home. During that time in Nebraska, she imagined one of her favorite authors living on the far western edge of the county, just south of the highway. At the time, becoming a novelist was a distant dream for her. Now, she is the author living in that location. Ironically, she later found out that same favorite author lives just outside the town HB lived in for the first eighteen years of her life.
Now, HB lives in the middle of nowhere but still close enough to the city to not feel isolated. It's the perfect place to let her two kids run and explore their huge yard, teach them about the food chain as they prepare their first-ever garden and debate building a chicken coop. It's one of those dreams that is only possible thanks to the amazing opportunities that have come through writing.



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 Don't forget

Bent will be FREE from June 25th-27th on Amazon

Blessed Tragedy will be FREE on Amazon June 28 - Sunday June 30

Images linked to Amazon
                

HAPPY READING!!!

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