Friday, August 29, 2014

Come Back To Me by Mila Gray Review

A breathtaking, scorchingly hot summer read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Abbi Glines

Come back to me. That was the very last thing I said to him.
Always. The very last thing he said to me.

Home on leave in sunny California, Marine and local lothario Kit Ryan finds himself dangerously drawn to his best friend's sister, Jessa - the one girl he can't have.

But Kit's not about to let a few obstacles stand in his way and soon Jessa's falling for his irresistible charms.

What starts out as a summer romance of secret hook-ups and magical first times quickly develops into a passionate love affair that turns both their worlds upside down.

When summer's over and it's time for Kit to redeploy, neither Kit nor Jessa are ready to say goodbye. Jessa's finally following her dreams and Kit's discovered there's someone he'd sacrifice everything for.

Jessa's prepared to wait for Kit no matter what. But when something more than distance and time rips them apart they're forced to decide whether what they have is really worth fighting for.

A breathtaking, scorchingly hot story about love, friendship, family and finding your way back from the edge of heartbreak.

 
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1lAgnl3

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars
 
A beautiful story that consumes you from page one and holds you captive through the end.
 
This book was a breath of fresh air. The writing was fantastic and the storyline was intriguing. While there was a passionate romance, there was also heartbreak, suspense, family drama, and secrets. I instantly fell for the love story and became addicted to turning the pages. The more I read, the more my heart ached for the characters.
 
Jessa is a young woman battling with her inner emotions. What she wants is different from what her father wants for her. She has always been one to conform, but Kit brings out her rebel side. She begins to second guess her future plans and starts pursuing the things she is passionate about, Kit included. Their relationship is forbidden though. Her father doesn't approve, but he can't keep them apart. Together they embark on a secret, romantic, all consuming journey of love. Their time is cut short though because Kit is being sent back to Afghanistan. When tragedy strikes over seas the couple is pulled apart...
 
The family drama in this story brings just enough suspense. My heart raced and I found myself holding my breath at times. The secrets and lies added the angst I craved. 
 
I honestly cannot say enough great things about this book. If you love Nicholas Sparks books... you will love this one! It is worth every penny! I recommend it to all readers over 18.
 
 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Top Emotional Reads

I am a sucker for emotional, all consuming reads...
Ones that make your heart race and bring tears to your eyes.
Here are some of my favorites...
 
Kismet by A.E. Woodward
This book brought some much to the table.
Heartbreak, second chance love, family, and one tear jerking ending!!
Amazon Link-
http://amzn.to/1mTrnFg
 
Forbidden- Tabitha Suzuma
A tough subject to read about, but WOW... it was brilliant!
A story about forbidden love with a WTF ending.
 Amazon Link-
http://amzn.to/1vnrh0o
 
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
A heartbreaking story about loving with Cancer.
Emotional, romantic, funny, & a MUST READ.
 
Poughkeepsie- Debra Anastasia
A darker read with lots of suspense and emotion.
Blake will always be one of my ALL TIME BOOK BOYFRIENDS...
 
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
A life changing read.
It makes you question yourself and brings reality into prospective.
 
When It Rains by Lisa De Jong
A gut wrenching love story...
What happens when you find out the one you love is keeping a life changing secret?
 
Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
An emotional read that gave me chills while reading.
The Author did a fabulous job at making you feel like you were living in the story...
Amazon Link-
http://amzn.to/VR5fDJ
 
Puddle Jumping by Amber L Johnson
A unique read about first love.
Proves that love can last through the toughest of times...
Amazon Link-
http://amzn.to/1mTuI7i
 
When You're Ready by J.L. Berg
A wonderful, emotional story about second chance love.
 

Indestructible by Angela Graham Blog Tour



Indestructible by Angela Graham
Harmony Series (Book 3)

Synopsis:  
Love. Passion. Respect.

Logan West finally has the one thing he believed unattainable: the fiery woman who challenges, protects, and adores him just as much as she does his young son, Oliver.

After having her world shaken yet again, Cassandra Clarke is ready to move forward, eagerly embracing the beautiful man who has laid claim to her heart. With secrets revealed at every turn, she refuses to lose the only man she’s ever loved.

Not every battle is hers to fight, but she’s never been one to back down. Logan and Oliver are part of her now, and together they are…indestructible.

 


 
 
Excerpt:
The waitress looked to Hilary, who was staring past all of us. "I’ll be right back."



She was up instantly and heading across the bar, where Caleb stood, his eyes on her. I scanned the room, my nerves spiking. Did Logan come with him?

"I don’t see him," Natasha said.

"What?"

"Logan. I don’t think he’s here."

"Right. Doesn’t matter. He knows it’s a girls’ night." I peeked again in the direction of Caleb to find him and Hilary gone.
"Caleb seems like a friendly guy. Good to Oliver, from what I hear," Natasha said, turning to face me.


The waitress appeared with our drinks, stunning me at how quick she was. "Anything else?" she asked.

"No, thanks." I lifted my glass and took a sip before turning my attention back to Natasha. "Caleb loves Oliver. He considers him family."

"I want Oliver to have a lot of good role models in his life, Cassandra. I don’t know much about Caleb, but I do know if he’s close to my son, I’ll be getting to know him better as well."
I said nothing and took another sipa bigger one this time, draining nearly half the glass. Hilary would have a real problem with Natasha cozying up to Caleb, even in the interest of Oliver. Hilary wasnt one to trust easily, and Natasha wasnt exactly easily trusted.


"I’ve known him most of my life," I told her. "He’s a good guy. No need to worry."

"That possessive, irritating, gorgeous man is gonna drive me crazy!" Hilary growled, slipping back into her side of the booth. "Seriously, can you believe him?"

"Is he still here?" I followed her penetrating stare and spotted Caleb watching us as he maneuvered toward the door.

"He’s leaving. Said he only stopped in to pick up some paperwork. I call bullshit! That bouncer called him, and he just had to come and check on me."

"I think it’s sweet." I smiled. "And it’s not like he’s standing here hounding you. He left, didn’t he?"

A slow smile brightened her face. "Yeah. Damn it, he is sweet."

"Or has a guilty conscience. You know, those that cheat worry others will too," Natasha blurted out.

My head snapped her way, my jaw dropping. I started as she continued as if she hadn't just slapped Hilary in the face.
"I’m just sayinghes hot and hes been around the scene. Id be careful."


I shifted my gaze to Hilary, aware she was struggling to keep her claws sheathed.

"Caleb isn’t cheating on me, I assure you."

Natasha frowned. "I’m sorry. That was a shitty thing for me to say. I didn’t mean it to come out that way."

"Right." Hilary sipped the juice in front of her.


My Review:
5/5 Stars
*Received an ARC for Honest Review*

The Author had us all biting our nails waiting for a release date, but the delay was worth every minute waited.

Indestructible quickly became my favorite book of the series!It was a perfect ending to a wonderful story. We got a sexier book for sure! Logan and Cassandra are finally in a good place working to form a life together. Oliver is his perfect little self and Hilary is making a life with Caleb.

There are still struggles though... The suspense had my heart racing at times. I felt like I was living in Cassandra's shoes. Every doubt she had, I felt. Every intimate thought about Logan, I felt... I connected to this book more than the others and you could definitely tell the Author put a lot of heart into it.

Cassandra was strong in this book and knew what she wanted. She stood up to Natasha and put Oliver and Logan before everything.

I have always been TEAM JAX, but this book made me swoon hard for Logan West! He was confident, secretive, and just plain SEXY! Watching him and Cassandra interact was fun and romantic. It was sweet to see them both with their guards down, exposed to one another.

When I read the words "The End", Goosebumps spread across my body. My heart swelled with love and tears formed in my eyes. Being invested in these books and finally getting what I hoped for was all consuming. I still have questions and I think that's what makes this book so special. It made me think about a quote I read before, "Good Books Never End, Their Story Lives on Forever". That is 100% true about this book! I know the series is done, but these characters will forever be in my heart!

I highly recommend this book to everyone!!






Be sure to check out the other books in The Harmony Series….

Book 1 Inevitable
Amazon Link-
http://amzn.com/B00D0A1MLI
Amazon UK-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D0A1MLI
B&N-
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inevitable-angela-graham/1116736910?ean=2940148571193

Book 2 Irreplaceable
Amazon Link-
http://amzn.com/B00FA91F7I
Amazon UK-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FA91F7I
B&N-
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/irreplaceable-angela-graham/1116959820?ean=2940148603481

You can also find Indulge Logan's Novella that can be read anytime during this series.
Amazon Link- http://amzn.com/B00IB0HJGE
Amazon UK-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IB0HJGE
B&N-
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/indulge-angela-graham/1119459637?ean=2940045922197

Meet the Author:
USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble Bestselling author.

Angela knew she found her calling in the world of fiction the moment she began pounding away at the keys for her first short story in 2012. With a baby on her shoulder, she wrote for about a year before deciding to try her hand at an actual novel. It was the best decision she ever made and since then she continues to bring characters to life in her free time snuck away from her first role as mother to her three young children.
-Be sure to check out her website at www.loveangelagraham.com


"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."

- Ella Fitzgerald

Stay connected by signing up to receive monthly newsletters. These include New Releases, Sales, Excerpts, Teasers, & more...
Sign-Up Link: http://eepurl.com/WrIKX

Angela’s Amazon Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Graham/e/B00D3RZ5U2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Monday, August 25, 2014

Sempre Redemption by JM Darhower Review

In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies.
 
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/VKYPpX 
 
My Thoughts:
3.5/5 Stars
 
I enjoyed this book, but Sempre is still my favorite!
 
Even though this book follows the same characters, Haven & Carmine, they are separated for most of the book. We got to see Haven follow her dreams and Carmine live out his promise. All in all it was a suspenseful, emotional book packed with lots of twists and turns.
 
When Haven and Carmine reunited my heart filled with love and envy. I have always found their relationship intriguing and to see them back together made the book that much better.
 
Sempre captivated me, where this book fell short in that area. I would have liked to see more of the Haven/Carmine relationship and less of the dark suspense. 
 
I recommend this book to all readers, but for those who fell in love with timid Haven, be prepared... She is in the real world now. Her and Carmine are not together in this book and as much as I wanted to connect to it like I did book 1, I didn't.

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives--and the way they understand each other so completely--has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending
 
 
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1qGNhMT
 
 
My Thoughts:
5 HUGE STARS
 
Ummmm..... WOW!
I am left speechless after reading this one.
It has been two days and I am still trying to collect my thoughts. Forbidden was one of the most emotional, intense romances I've ever read about. The subject is touchy and at times makes you uncomfortable, but it's also what pulls you in. From the moment I devoured page one I was hooked. My fingers couldn't turn the pages quick enough and my heart swelled with emotions.
 
Lochan and Maya are living an unconventional life. They are left to fend for their younger siblings and while doing so they connect on a romantic level... Yes, I know it's a bit sick, but in some taboo way... It worked. My heart ached for all they dealt with. Between the worry of finances, the sorting out sibling drama, and maintaining their own school work... It's no wonder they looked to one another for comfort and security. As their relationship progressed behind closed doors the feelings became more prominent and they began to crave a more public affair.
 
Towards the end I started to draw my own conclusions, but nothing compared to the TRUE ending. Let me just say... the ending will gut you. Your heart will be ripped from your chest and stomped all over.
 
I honestly cannot recommend this book more. Immediately after finishing I wanted to pick it up and start a re-read... I remember looking at my husband and saying "This is a book I wish I could own 15 copies of". Absolutely amazing book that will give you butterflies and break your heart into a million tiny pieces.
 
 


Monday, August 18, 2014

Within These Walls by J.L. Berg Review

From USA Today Bestselling author J.L. Berg, comes a breathtaking story that shows us how love truly can conquer all...even the most damaged of hearts. 

Within these walls, he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength.

I am not strong. I am just a survivor of circumstance.

Isn't that what we all do? Survive?

Each of us has our own set of circumstances to muddle through. Mine are just more...complicated.

Born with a severe heart defect, I've seen the inside of a hospital room more than my own bedroom.

I was drowning, a prisoner to the illness that owned me, until he appeared. He thinks he's blocked out the world with his tattoos and hard exterior, but I see the real Jude, the one he so desperately wants to forget.

But is he the answer to my prayers or will he break my already damaged heart forever?

My name is Lailah Buchanan, and this is our story of hope, redemption and sacrificing it all for the one you love.

***Due to some graphic language and explicit scenes, this book is not recommended for readers under the age of 18.***
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/Yr9U12
 
My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

     J.L. Berg stepped out of her comfort zone to write this emotional masterpiece and highly succeeded! Laila has a heart defect that forces her to face her dying days sooner than expected. She spends countless days in the hospital and when at home, her mother hides her from the rest of the world. To fill her days she makes lists, one which includes bucket list items. She never believes that she will cross out everything on the list, but when Jude enters her life he is determined to do just that.
     Jude has secrets of his own though. He wants to remain unnamed and spend most of his time wondering the halls where his life was taken from him. Working as a CNA he comes across a beautiful blonde that pulls him in leaving him feel more than he has felt in years. This is a beautiful story about two broken characters coming together to mend one another. The emotions are tragic and real. Each page you feel more and more intertwined in the story.
      I was captivated by Jude’s intensity. At first he has a wall up, but slowly breaks it down to allow his heart to love again. He goes out of his way to make Laila’s life as best as possible. I loved this book from page one and highly recommend it to all readers. Unlike books where the focus is about sexual tension and rushed relationships… This book captures a slow burn one of a kind love.

Monday, August 11, 2014

What's Left of Me by Amanda Maxlyn Review

Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?

Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.
 
AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1d9vWtt
My Thoughts:
3/5 Stars
A  story about falling in love and the daily struggles of Cancer...
 
 I am honestly on the fence with this book. While it left me turning the pages and kept me interested in the storyline, I couldn't help but feel like it has been done before and done better.

It had some really strong points... For example The writing was good and the male lead is a Vet. You don't see that often and I was intrigued. Another fantastic part with the mind f* at the end. I fell for it and was completely shocked when the truth was revealed.

The part lacking for me was... Her telling him about the Cancer too late in the book. I would have liked to see them work through it together. There were so many perfect opportunities for him to find out and I just felt like I would have connected more to the story if she would have told him sooner.

The writing was good and the idea was good. If you are looking for a sexy, emotional read... This one is probably for you. If you like your emotional books more realistic and romantic, then I would not recommend you read this one.
 
 

My Skylar by Penelope Ward Review

From the author of the #1 bestselling romance, Jake Undone, comes a friends-to-lovers story of longing, passion, betrayal and redemption… Skylar was my best friend, but I secretly pined for her. One thing after another kept us apart, and I’ve spent the last decade in fear of losing her forever. First, it was the cancer, but she survived only to face the unthinkable at my hands. Because of me, she left town. For years, I thought I’d never see her again. But now she’s back…and living with him. I don’t deserve her after everything I’ve put her through, but I can’t live without her. This is my last chance because she’s about to make the biggest mistake of her life. I can see it her eyes: she doesn’t love him. She still loves me...which is why I have to stop her before it’s too late. My Skylar is a STANDALONE story and a companion to the novel, Jake Undone. This book is recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to strong language and explicit sexual content
My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars


Wow! What an unforgettable romance!
I fell in love with Skylar in Jake Undone and was so excited to hear she was getting her own book. The Author surely didn't disappoint. It was a beautiful, well written story about first love and heartbreak.
 
We get to see Skylar meet the one and only Mitch. We watch them connect as children, then as teens, and again in adulthood. Things aren't always perfect though. Struggles arise and feelings get hurt. One thing that remains the same is their love for one another.

This book was packed with words that pulled emotions out of me. I found myself invested in and consumed by the storyline. Even when I closed the book the characters remained on my mind.
 
I loved this book and highly recommend it to all readers!!

Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson Review

When it comes to love there’s no such thing as conventional. Everyone thinks Colton Neely is special. Lilly Evans just thinks he’s fascinating. Once friends when they were younger, their bond is cut short due to her accident prone nature and they go their separate ways. Years later, they meet again and Lilly learns that there is something special about the boy she once knew, but she has no idea what it all means. And she’s not sure if she’s ready to find out. When he walks through the corridor of her school the first day of her senior year, she knows that it’s time to get to know the real Colton Neely. The more she learns, the deeper she falls. Their friendship grows into love, even as Colton does not express it in words. But one decision threatens to break down the world that Lilly has tried so hard to integrate into and she must figure out if the relationship can survive if they are apart.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1riqatv
 
My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars
A beautiful, emotional, forbidden romance...
Fans of Archer's Voice will love this book!

I cannot say enough wonderful, positive things about this book! It really brought reality to fiction. Everyday someone is dealing with Autism and to see a book about it made my heart swell with love.
 
The characters were amazing together. There was an understanding below the surface. As much as Lilly wanted to hear Colton profess his true feelings, she knew by his actions how he felt.

The romance was forbidden and later became more difficult. As they battled to try to beat to the same drum, they also had to experience loss and heart ache.
 
Everything about this book had me hooked. I found it to be emotional and beautiful all tied up with a pretty bow.

I highly recommend this book to every reader!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Be Sure to Add After The Rain by Renee Carlino to Your TBR

After the Rain by Renee Carlino
Releases November 11th, 2014


From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional contemporary romance about the second chances waiting beyond the shattered dreams of youth.

Under the bright arena lights of a rodeo show, young Avelina Belo falls for a handsome cowboy with a larger-than-life personality. After a whirlwind courtship, she happily moves away from her family in northern California and settles into married life with her cowboy on a seven-thousand-acre cattle ranch in Montana. One freak accident later, Avelina’s hopes for the future come to an end.

Nate Myers graduated from UCLA medical school at the top of his class, ready to follow in the footsteps of his father, a superstar cardiothoracic surgeon. Six years later, Nate’s career is being ruined by a malpractice suit. Questioning himself for the first time, he retreats to a Montana cattle ranch to visit his uncle and gain perspective. There, he meets a beautiful young woman named Avelina who teaches him more than he ever knew about matters of the heart.


Add it to your Goodreads TBR list
Pre Order on Amazon
Some AWESOME people got to read it....
 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Dominic by L.A. Casey Review

WARNING: If you don't like leading males that are possessive pr**ks, Dominic is NOT for you. If you don't like leading females that are stubborn bi**hes, Dominic is NOT for you. If you don't like characters who have bad tempers, Dominic is NOT for you. Most of all, if you don't like characters who CURSE A LOT and say EXACTLY what they feel and are thinking without sugar coating it then Dominic is REALLY NOT for you.

After a car accident killed her parents when she was a child, Bronagh Murphy chose to box herself off from people in an effort to keep herself from future hurt. If she doesn't befriend people, talk to them or acknowledge them in any way they leave her alone just like she wants.

When Dominic Slater enters her life, ignoring him is all she has to do to get his attention. Dominic is used to attention, and when he and his brothers move to Dublin, Ireland for family business, he gets nothing but attention. Attention from everyone except the beautiful brunette with a sharp tongue.

Dominic wants Bronagh and the only way he can get to her, is by dragging her from the boxed off corner she has herself trapped in the only way he knows how...by force.

Dominic wants her, and what Dominic wants, Dominic gets.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1una9F0

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars
 
An angst filled book about letting your guards down to let love in.
If you love a book with a strong, sassy female lead... This book is for you. Bronaugh is a spit fire. There's no other way to put it. She stands up to the girls and gives it right back to the guys.
 
When Dominic enters her life like a whirlwind she is taken back by his teasing comments. She doesn't quite understand what he means all of the time, but she pegs him as rude. Together they play a game of back and forth. As annoying as Dominic is she starts to develop feelings for him. It's a love/hate kind of relationship. One minute they are hot, the next they are cold. In the end the question is.... do they let their guards down to let one another in?
 
The story was very well written and the plot was feisty. It's not a typical romance though... The characters do not get together instantly and when they do it's a war zone. I would have liked to see more lovey dovey action and less banter, but that's just me.

I definitely recommend this book & can't wait for the next by this Author.