Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Cherished Review

Book Review 
January 22. 2014
Cherished (Wanted #4)
by: Kelly Elliott
2.5 Stars

Blurb ~  Jessie Rhodes has been in love with Scott Reynolds for most of her life. But he ran away from her once, leaving her heartbroken.

When they find their way back to one another, things seem to fall into place, and they begin to plan their future together…

Until Scott’s ex-fiancĂ©e deceives them all. With yet another broken heart, it is Jessie’s turn to run away. During her retreat, she meets an intriguing man, and they form a bond that makes Jessie question everything.

Scott’s world collapses when the only girl he has ever loved disappears with no word on her whereabouts. When he finally discovers where Jessie has been hiding, he also learns of her new relationship.

Will deceit tear them apart? Or can Jessie and Scott survive their mistakes and choose to love and to cherish?


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18369996-cherished?from_search=true

My Review 
I'm just..... Disappointed...
With all the ranting I will be doing there will surely be spoilers, so approach with CaUtIoN

I don’t know what I was thinking reading this. I told myself at the end of Faithful to save myself some grief. Enough of the drama, but with this being the last of the series I couldn’t resist and what a mistake that was. I honestly thought the drama couldn’t possibly be as bad as the last books and surely there wouldn’t be another unplanned miracle pregnancy, right? Wrong!!

Hudson Blog Tour with Promo, Playlist and Giveaway


HUDSON
By: Shayne McClendon
Release Date: October 18. 2013

Synopsis
Refuse to compromise.

Hudson Winters is in control of every aspect of his world. From his earliest
memories, he's been driven to succeed. Starting from nothing, he built an
empire based on opportunity and intimidation.

Personally, professionally, and sexually - he ensures the reins are always
in his hands.

He never counted on a woman like Gabriella Hernandez.

From the moment she steps into his building, she proceeds to shake up his
entire existence. Her very presence causes him to question everything about
himself, his relationships, and his future.

This story features characters readers fell in love with in "The Barter
System" and gives you a chance to sit down and catch up. Prepare to be
twisted up and knocked around a bit.  Another hot, emotional read from
Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.

NOTE: This story contains explicit sexual scenes and language and is
intended for mature audiences only. Do not read this novel if intense sexual
situations offend you.


About the Author:

Shayne McClendon is an indie author who has received rave reviews for her premiere novel "The Barter System." Other projects recently released are "In the Service of Women," "Yes to Everything," "Damaged," "Being Delightful," "The Hermit," "Hudson" - the second book set in "The Barter System" world, and many more.
Writer, mom, and hermit...Shayne listens to the voices in her head because their ideas are awesome. Those around her have learned not to question the crazy. Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
She currently lives in Oklahoma wrangling teenagers, opening doors for her pets, and running her content writing company. She dreams of peace, quiet, travel, and always having a viable internet connection.
You can contact her by email at shayne@alwaysthegoodgirl.com, stop by her Facebook page, or visit her website and subscribe for your free story!
Shayne McClendon's work is available at all major e-book retailers. Print editions of her work are available on her website.



Current Book List:
The Barter System
Hudson
Yes to Everything
In the Service of Women
A Little Bit Country - Book One
Damaged
Obsession
The Hermit
Being Delightful
Gravity
Roadside Assistance
Somebody
Permission to Come Aboard - The Great Outdoors
Special Delivery - The Great Outdoors
A Sunny Heart - The Great Outdoors
Embrace the Wild - The Great Outdoors
Ready to Rumble - Love of the Game
Breaking the Ice - Love of the Game
Time to Make the Doughnuts - Love of the Game
Woman's Best Friend
Revenge is Best Served Hot
Compilations:
Just a Little Kilted - with Alexandra Andersen
Just a Little Crazy - with Alexandra Andersen
Just a Little Extra - with Alexandra Andersen
Not a Bride - with Alexandra Andersen
All the Better To - with Christopher Southers
Books Available in Print:
The Barter System
Damaged
Not a Bride - with Alexandra Andersen

Playlist:

HUDSON PLAYLIST
Feelin’ Love – Paula Cole
Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
Closer – Nine Inch Nails
A Little Taste – Skyler Stonestreet
Satisfied – Aranda
My Demons – Starset
POWER – Kanye West
Sinner’s Prayer – Sully Erna
Madness – Muse
Person Jesus – Depeche Mode
Kiss From A Rose – Seal
Shape Of My Heart – Sting
Simply Falling – Iyeoka
What Goes Around…/…Comes Around Interlude – Justin Timberlake
My Immortal – Evanescence
Hurt – Johnny Cash
Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor
Special Cases – Massive Attack
Far Behind – Candlebox
Stepping Stone – Duffy
Wish I Didn’t Miss You – Angie Stone
Empire State of Mind – JAY Z & Alicia Keys
Fix You – Coldplay
Just Like Honey – Jesus and Mary Chain
Bad Things – Jace Everett
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
Is This Real? – Lisahall
Oblivion – M83, Suzanne Sundfor
Lloraras – Oscar D’Leon
Feeling Good – Michael Buble
She Wants To Know – Half Moon Run
Intro – The xx
Stay – Rihanna, Mikky Ekko
Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
Lullaby – The Cure
Feel Good Inc – Gorillaz



a Rafflecopter giveaway

HAPPY READING!!! 

Unclaimed Review

Book Review 
January 23. 2014
Unclaimed (Kole Family #1)
by: S. Brent
3.5 Stars

Blurb ~ Lincoln is the unclaimed, bastard son of a rock star. Pru spent her entire life being overlooked by everyone, including her parents. Too many drinks led to a one-night stand neither of them can forget. When fate brings them back together they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Can an unclaimed bastard find a way to claim what his heart desires most?

Dear Reader,

Being the oldest son of an infamous rock star is an amazing thing. To bad nobody knows because dear old Dad could care less about me. I’m the unclaimed, bastard son of a rock star.

As the unclaimed, the unacknowledged, I can live my life how I want, which is more like my father than my mother will ever admit. She won’t even admit he’s my father. I’m a moody, womanizing ass. I know it. I love it. It’s a good life. Until her.

A birthday celebration, too many drinks, and a one-night stand and I’m hooked, addicted. I wasn’t looking for a relationship when I collided with Prudence Kennedy Thompson. A sexy, college co-ed with big, brown eyes and long, wavy, brown hair.

We aren’t a perfect match. I’m tall. She’s short. She’s rich. I’m, well, not. We are completely different. I want her, can’t live without her, but can we find a way to fit together? Can I, an unclaimed bastard, find a way to claim what my heart desires most?

Lincoln O’Neil


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18712736-unclaimed?from_search=true

My Review 
I totally read this book in one sitting. It was almost impossible to put down even to go to the bathroom. So why the 3.5 star rating? Well, to be honest there were an overwhelming amount of grammar errors. As much as I loved the story the errors kept distracting me and causing me to distance from the story. Add to that Lincoln’s idiotic and pasny-ish behavior and I was not a happy camper. Don’t get me wrong the storyline is great and truly has promise but the errors make it hard to remember how good it all is.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Broken Dreams Cover Reveal

Broken Dreams (Broken #2)
by: Kelly Elliott
Release Date: March 25. 2014

SYNOPSIS:

Courtney Will always dreamed of finding her Prince Charming and living happily ever after, like in the fairy tales she read as a child. Her dreams were shattered one fateful night when her prince turned out to be her worst nightmare. Burying herself in her job as an editor, Courtney tried to forget her past, and she lost hope of ever finding true love.

Reed Moore’s past filled his world with guilt and anger, and then a mistake in college deepened these feelings. Fearing he will one day repeat his father’s mistakes with the woman he loves, Reed has vowed to never give his heart to anyone.

Reed and Courtney have each spent years building walls to guard their hearts, so when their feelings for one another explode into something unexpected, they argue and throw hurtful words at each other in hopes of avoiding the truth.

Will Reed end up being the Prince Charming Courtney has dreamed of her entire life? Is Courtney the woman who will help Reed move past the guilt and anger, so he can embrace love?

Can their broken dreams become their happily ever after?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18987445-broken-dreams?from_search=true


Who is Kelly Elliott?

Really I'm just a wife to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a nack for making me laugh almost daily and supports my crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves me.....so I'll just go with that one!

I'm also a mom to an amazing daughter who constantly is asking me to make her something to eat while she has her fingers moving like mad on her cell phone sending out what I'm sure is another very important text message!

Oh...and I like to sit down and write in my spare time!

I live in the Texas hill country and one of my favorite things to do is go for hikes around our property with my second favorite man, Gus....my chocolate lab and my sweet girl Rose, our golden retriever. When I'm not outside helping the hubby haul brush or move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for me that day, you will find me inside reading, writing or watching HGTV and soaking in a nice hot bubble bath.....yeah that last one I just made up but it sure does sound nice!!!

Follow Kelly at:


Twitter:@author_kelly




 BROKEN IS BOOK #1 
IN THE BROKEN SERIES 

HAPPY READING!!!

The Solitude of Passion Review

Book Review 
November 28. 2013
The Solitude of Passion
by: Addison Moore
5 Stars

Blurb ~ When old love and new love collide an impossibility is born.

When Lee Townsend’s husband leaves on a community outreach to China, the last thing she expects is for him to never come back—for him to have tragically met his demise.

Lee goes on to marry his adversary and settles into life and business with him, merging her vineyard with his and creating a worldwide conglomerate.

Five years later a twist of fate brings the past back to her and forces Lee to make a decision that will change the landscape of her life forever.

Secrets emerge, forcing relationships to be examined—magnifying the surprising true underpinnings of her marriage to both Mitch and Max.

Lee’s heart is unwilling to surrender her love for either Mitch or Max.
She must choose to carry forward with the past or present.

Lee has a choice to make.
Mitch can’t figure out how to win.
Max never loses.

Worlds collide in THE SOLITUDE OF PASSION


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17898921-the-solitude-of-passion?from_search=true

My Review 


Sometimes being stuck in the hospital for days on end can be a God send. That’s where I was when I read this book and thank the Lord because my emotions and state of mind were all over the place. From all the reviews it's clear this book is for some a Love or Hate, I can gladly say I am in all kinds of love with this book even if my blurry eyes disagree.

I’ve read other books by Addison Moore, some that I loved and some that I want to erase from my memory altogether. For awhile I put this book off, not only because of the page length but because I figured given the blurb there’s only a few ways this can play out. A.) One of the men will die, B.) Lee will luck out and win both men’s hearts or C.) There is no happy ending for anyone. 

I won’t tell you which selection was correct because even though I was right, the story and all that takes place trumps the end. I warn you though, you will cry your eyes out and if you are in public, make sure you have sunglasses and a box of tissues. This was a beautifully written story of loss and love. 

Lee couldn’t be happier in her marriage with Mitch. When he leaves on a community outreach program in China, Lee is scared and wary of the time apart. Though she fears the separation the last thing Lee expects is to get word of Mitch’s death.  The pain Lee feels is indescribable and if not for being pregnant, Lee might not have made it through. All the while Max, Mitch’s ex-friend and now nemesis is by Lee’s side. The two shared stolen moments years ago and though Max would like nothing more than to make Lee his, all he does is help her heal. 

Years later Max and Lee are happily married. Nothing can break them apart, until news of Mitch’s resurrection breaks their happy shell. Poor Lee, you can’t help but suffer with her. God, my eyes are watering just thinking of all the drama and emotion I hope I never have to feel. What’s Lee supposed to do when faced with two husbands, one from the past that she let go and another she’s let into her already full heart. 

This book was more a surprise than anything. Lee’s conflict becomes the heart of the story and her heart is constantly in ruins. Both men want their wife and Lee has to somehow choose. Neither man makes it easy on Lee, both fighting for her love and affection. Lee is constantly in a whirlpool of emotion from grief to love and suffering to joy. Every time Lee thinks she has a decision, something or someone makes her change her mind. I truly envy Lee because though she broke down on more than one occasion I thought she overall handled the situation rather well. She never made an overly rash decision (aside from in her head) and was constantly trying to listen to what her heart was telling her. 

I won’t ruin the story and give any clue as to what happens or how its all handled. I will tell you that I was torn up after this book and needed a few days recovery time. I felt like I myself became Lee and so much grief and suffering was not easy to let go. Addison Moore blew this one out of the park. While I was hesitant in starting I was quickly sucked in. I cried more than I’d like to admit and I still loved this story even with all the hospital drugs in my system. When the nurses came into my room at 4 AM to tell me to stop reading I knew this was a keeper. If you’re looking for an emotionally charged book that will grip you and squeeze you tight, The Solitude for Passion may be just what you need. I was blown away not knowing what to expect and even with my few guesses I wouldn’t change a thing. Solid A plus book with phenomenal characters and a heartbreaking story that I won’t be forgetting soon.

HAPPY READING!!!

Heart on a Chain Review

Book Review 
Date: October 6. 2013
Heart on A Chain
by:Cindy Bennett
5 Stars

Blurb ~  17-year-old Kate has lived her whole life in abject poverty, with an alcoholic father and drug-addicted mother, who severely abuses Kate. At school, her second-hand clothing marks her as a target. Her refusal to stand up for herself makes her the recipient of her classmates taunts and bullying. That is, until Henry returns.

Henry Jamison moved away six years earlier, just as he and Kate had begun an to develop feelings for one another. He returns to find the bright, funny, outgoing girl he had known now timidly hiding in corners, barely speaking to anyone around her, suspicious of even him.

Kate can’t figure out what game Henry is playing with her - for surely it is a game. What else would the gorgeous, popular boy from her past want with her?

Kate finally decides to trust Henry’s intentions, opening her heart to him. Just when it seems he might be genuine in his friendship, tragedy strikes, threatening everything Kate has worked so hard to gain. Can Henry help her to overcome this new devastation, or will it tear them apart forever?


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10295484-heart-on-a-chain

My Review 
Hands down Heart on a Chain is one of my all time favorite books EVER. I can’t believe this book is not more popular than it is because it will grip you from the start and you won’t want to be freed. Your emotions will be all over the place combined with feelings of love, passion and absolute hatred for the pain the main character is suffering. Where some might call this book overly sweet, which at times it is, the overall dynamic and progression of character development trumps any and all bad, at least in my opinion.

So I don’t know why but I’m a sucker for any type of damsel in distress/ abusive situations. Even though this book is YA, much of the drama is more adult in nature and the overwhelming feelings of hate towards Kate’s mother make it appear more Adult in nature. Those who are easily turned off by any type of abuse, I warn you to steer clear, because there are some very graphic scenes in the book which could be hard to read.

Since she was a young girl, Kate has been on her own. Not that she lives alone or anything, more like her parents checked out. Her mother is a stay at home alcoholic whose every breath is used to torment Kate and when the mood strikes she takes out her pain and suffering on her underage daughter, often using her fists or anything else she can find. Kate’s mother is truly evil. Some crucial part of her humanity has been wiped away and Kate is left to suffer the brunt of her mother’s wrath.

As a young girl Kate met Henry and she loved him even then. When Henry moved away the light in Kate’s world went out. Growing up was hard on her own and the other kids never made it easy on her. Where her home life sucked, her school life was an easy comparison with all the bullies making Kate’s life even more unbearable. She’s teased, beat up on and has had many questionable substances dumped on her in the lunch room.

The last thing Kate expects is for Henry to return. Even more than that she can’t imagine this grown up version of Henry would want anything to do with her. Surely the other kids would make sure of that. Henry is one determined boy and he remembers Kate clearly. In fact he has never forgotten her. Returning to his old school and reconnecting with Kate is something Henry never thought would happen. He couldn’t be happier. That is until he sees how everyone treats her. To say Henry is angered is a huge understatement. Not a violent person himself, Henry can’t understand how anyone could be so cruel, especially to someone like his Kate.

I could go on and on about how beautiful this book is. It wouldn’t be a lie either. From the abuse to the romance every page is a reading delight. It’s too bad there is not more written by this author. I have easily read this book 5 times if not more and I know I will continue to read it many more times in the future. There’s just something about it that will suck you in and charge your emotions to revolve around these characters and everything that is happening. I wish there were more books written this well about such a touchy subject matter that still manages to catch the heart and soul of the reader. Unfortunately there is not much more out there from this author but I will continue to love, appreciate and share this book until the universe (if possible) finds something better.

HAPPY READING!!!

The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window Review

Book Review 
September 24. 2013
and January 17. 2014
The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window
by: Kirsty Moseley
4.5 Stars

Blurb ~ Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair.

Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer?



My Review 


Hands down this is my favorite book this year. I’ve wanted to read it badly for awhile now and when it went on SALE for .99 cents I snatched it up. Now I couldn’t be madder at myself, because not only did I love this book, I want to go back and pay full price because I loved it so much. Sure many people have complained it’s too cutesy and at times it is but that’s one of the things I loved about it… 

Amber and her brother Jake don’t have the best home life. Their father is an abusive drunk and every time they so much as breathe, someone gets hurt. At eight years old, Amber has seen and suffered through more abuse than other children her age. One night in particular Amber is inconsolable in her room. That is until her brother Jake’s best friend and neighbor knocks on her window. From that night on Liam is the only one (besides her brother) who makes Amber feel safe. Sure during the day he’s a grade A douche, but she knows every night he will be by her side chasing away her nightmares and making her feel safe. 

Almost ten years pass and nothing has changed between Amber and Liam. Every night Liam crawls in her bedroom, with her brother and mother clueless. Amber always assumed Liam had multiple personality disorder considering how mean and rude he was during the day compared to his sweet and endearing side he only shows her at night. When Amber starts feeling an attraction to Liam no one is more surprised than her.
Liam on the other hand has always had feelings for Amber. Since they met as children, Liam was a goner. When Amber and Liam cross the boundaries of friendship both are scared of the outcome. Amber is more afraid of how her brother will react and only hopes he won’t kill Liam in a fit of rage. 

I absolutely loved the bond between these two. It wasn’t something that just appeared but rather developed over the years since they were young children. Liam knows Amber is it for him but with the past abuse hanging over their heads, Amber has some issues to work through. 

This book does take place in high school though I would have to say it’s more mature YA because of the topics. Again, there are cutesy parts but with all the suffering Amber had been though, I think it’s only fitting she find an utterly romantic boyfriend. Amber’s brother Jake was a very strong character. The love he has for his sister can literally be felt and there is not a thing he won’t do to protect her, even their father learned his lesson.

There were quite a few wordy parts that felt repetitive. You can only say something so many times in so many different ways before you feel knocked over the head by information. Plus throw in a mix of grammar mistakes and spelling errors and this book does take on a more teen feel. The mistakes were not overwhelming but annoying enough that I kept noticing.  

I could have done without the occasional slutty persona that took over Amber. As a damaged virgin I thought she sometimes went overboard teasing Liam. Plus they were in school so it just felt wrong and dirty. I also would have liked more of Liam’s POV. When it first appears at 57% it’s a total detachment from the story. Sure I wanted to be inside his mind, but it was hard to connect since it wasn’t gradually introduced. The characters were all great. Jake was admirable and determined to keep Amber safe and happy. Even when he realizes that Liam makes Amber happy, he was surprisingly understanding. 

Overall this is a GREAT read. I enjoyed the progression of friends and sometimes enemies to lovers. Liam was essentially as Amber called him a dirty man-slut, but when Amber starts to give him the time of day, his real self shines through. I also recommend Nothing Left to Lose by this author. The editing may not be up to par but the storylines certainly are. I would certainly recommend this book to fans of YA and NA romance.

HAPPY READING!!!

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