Black Rose by Kris Thompson Review

Lillian Locke had the perfect life in Boulder, Colorado. She had the boyfriend of her dreams, a wonderful family, awesome friends, and a spot on the track team at a great college. There wasn’t anything life could throw at her that she couldn’t get through . . . until he found her.

Lillian never could have imagined being abducted and chained up in the dark. Worse yet, being just one of many girls kidnapped and held captive by a madman. All she can do now is hope that she survives the brutality of their captor long enough to find a way to free herself and her new captive friends.

When Richard Haines’ girlfriend goes missing, he makes it his personal mission to find the woman he loves and bring her home to the safety of their loved ones. Seeking the help of friends and family, Richard abandons everything except for his pursuit of Lillian. But when someone else close to Richard goes missing, and the bodies of the abducted girls start showing up in the hills outside Boulder, the only thing he can do is hope that he finds her before it is too late.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1Gwy5Kd

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 STARS
I've never read a book that crawled into my bones and put fear in my veins. This one did just that...
It was raw, gritty, and scary.

 

The story will consume you from the beginning and stay with you long after the last page. It is about a girl who is kidnapped and taken to a cellar where other girls are being kept. Together they form a bond and help one another survive the brutal torture they receive. Their time is limited though... The girls witness murder and realize they must get out before it's too late.

 

The story is told in switched POVs. We get to see Lee's story of trying to survive and we also get to see Richard's search for his girlfriend. Normally, I am not a fan of multiple POVs, but with this one... it worked.

 

If you are wondering if it's similar to other books, I will say this... It is in a league of it's own. Yeah, it's your typical dark read, but the twists and turns along the way are incredible. They will have you on the edge of your seat, begging for an HEA.

Now, if you like your stories clean and romantic... This book is probably not for you. As stated, it is a wild ride with a MAJOR creep factor. There is rape and torture. You have been warned*

If you like a slightly messed up story... THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
Highly Recommend!

Black Iris by Leah Raeder

The next dark and sexy romantic suspense novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Unteachable.

It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn't worth sticking around for.

If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.

She's not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.

But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it's time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.

Which was the plan all along.

Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.

She's going to show them all.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1HVL2zL

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

*NETGALLEY REVIEW WITH NO SPIOILERS*
Black Iris isn't a book that can be easily be summed up without giving away too much. The story was complex and unlike any other story I've ever read. It was risqué, emotional, intense, dangerous, romantic, and at times, a complete twisted up mystery. It switches back and forth from past to present to show you how everything came into play. Crucial details are revealed and important characters are introduced. The plot is one that will make your mind hurt in the best way possible. It will strip away at everything you believed and make you feel completely different. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book... The pages couldn't turn fast enough. I wasn't sure how everything would come together, but I never expected the outcome we got. When I finally finished I felt a weight being lifted off my shoulders. I could finally breathe again. My tense body fell relaxed and mind felt sane again.

Honestly it was like a 1,000 piece puzzle. Each word came together to a form a slightly flawed, slightly messed up... absolutely captivating picture. My heart went out to these fictional characters. Yeah, they were emotionally unstable and yeah, at times I wanted to punch each one, but somehow, someway... They managed to capture my heart and fill my body with sympathy.

It was an intense subject and the Author's writing was flawless. It felt raw and vulnerable. While at times the story became jagged and sharp, it somehow remained smooth and flowing. I did question how Leah went from writing Unteachable to this dark, heavy story and after I read the acknowledgements I understood. My hat goes off to her and anyone else who lived similar scenarios. Sadly, this happens a lot more than we would like to think. It opened my eyes and made me feel things I didn't feel before reading. I am utterly head over heels for this book and quite frankly I now have a girl crush on Leah Raeder.

I definitely recommend this one to every reader out there. It is a MUST READ.  

Emmy & Olvier by Robin Benway Review

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.  

 

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

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 Stars

 

*RECIEVED AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
This book fits the sweet YA mold, but has unique features that add intensity and angst. The story is based around a web of lies. It is our job as readers to reveal the truth and unveil the secrets. It is a wild ride that has an ending you will never expect...

Emmy and Oliver share a bond even after being apart for 10 years. It isn't an instant reunion, but slowly the old feelings form again. Everyone expects Oliver to be excited about being found, but deep down he feels as though he's been kidnapped all over again. Everything he knew is erased when he is thrown into a new life, with new siblings. He struggles to grasp the present and push away the past... Emmy tries to be the listening ear, but it's hard when she is faced with what brought her so much pain all of those years ago.

Was this story predictable? Maybe at times, but overall no! I was blindsided by the ending and couldn't believe how everything unfolded. I loved the romance and the cute additions that made this a swoon worthy read... Add in the mystery and I am hooked!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story... At times it was a tad slow, but in the end I was quite satisfied with what the Author gave us.
Highly Recommend to YA fans.

Ericka Santana Author Spotlight

Author Ericka Santana

A petite, a pixie cut blonde (for now) dressed in jeans and a San Diego "Hard Rock Couture" t-shirt, Ericka Santana could pass as a teen on her way to the mall and not the thirty-five year old woman that has seen tough times. As I catch a glimpse of the small cross tattoo on her hand, Ericka tells us her story.

Ericka was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She was only a year old when her father died. His passing left her mother to assume the role of both parents. Her mother worked long, extensive hours to provide for her children. She was strict and demanded respect. She was both mother and father and often impatient with her children. Not understanding her mother's situation, Ericka grew to be afraid of her. But Ericka insists she had a happy childhood and isn't looking for sympathy.

When Ericka was nine years old, she found a firecracker. And as any curious and mischievous child would, Ericka found a way to light it. Thinking it was a sparkler, she held the firecracker right in front of her face. The firecracker exploded! The sound was so loud, she became dizzy. Afraid of what her mother might do to her as punishment, Ericka kept her own secret. The vibrating sounds of her footsteps sounded like canon booms in her head but she still kept her secret. She would stick her head out the window of the moving car; hear the wind whistle in one ear and not the other. But she still kept her secret. It was a year before she saw a doctor for her hearing problems. She was finally able to tell someone what had happened to her. The doctor discovered that her right eardrum had completely ruptured and her left one was severely damaged. Believing education would be easier to obtain for a slightly deaf girl in the U.S., her mother sent her to live with her sister. Ericka enrolled in public school and wore hearing aids throughout junior high. The hearing aids stopped working for her by the time Ericka completed the 10th grade. Feeling out of place and without any special needs support, she opted to drop out.

Ericka was eighteen when she became pregnant. Her passport had expired and rather than risk getting stuck in Mexico, Ericka decided to stay in Texas. She married her high school sweetheart, moved to Minnesota and had two more children. Life in Minnesota was difficult on a single income and the family hit hard times. After six years, she and her family moved back to South Texas.

We find ways of coping when life gets tough. Ericka chose to read books. She has accumulated over two thousand digital books and has read every one. It was through reading the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer that Ericka realized she wanted to write. She knew she had a knack for storytelling. Able to recount a story more than once and with the same precise detail, she started researching what she needed to do to become a writer. Eventually she began taking notes on the story she wanted to write. The plot and the characters started to flow.

Looking at Ericka, you would never know she is completely deaf or that she is reading your lips. Reading her writings, all in English, you would never know she only speaks Spanish. Ericka does not know sign language. She was never given the opportunity so she never learned. But none of this affects her spirit; it drives her dream.

Ericka currently works as a Sales Representative at Santana's Wigs & Hair Extensions. She is married to her high school sweetheart Alex and along with their three children, resides in Brownsville, Texas. She is currently working on the next volume of her series, Turbulent Desire Series, available early 2015.

Ericka’s first released in her Turbulent Desire Series is Deception Vol1
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1OQGbBN
 Turbulent Desire Series is an erotic dark romance short novel. Deception is the first installment of the series and it starts as a contemporary, new adult, romance novel, then on the second book the story becomes more intense and dark.

Skylar Parker is young, sheltered, and utterly innocent. On vacation with her family in Italy, Sky expects nothing more than fun, sun and shopping, but a chance encounter with a gorgeous young Italian man changes her life forever.

Handsome, strong and romantic, JC is everything a girl could want. But behind the charming accent and bad-boy image lies a dark and troubled soul. Sky could be the answer to his prayers, but JC’s demons may be stronger than his love for her.

With the help of her friend Madi, Sky hides her new relationship from her overprotective mother—but she may be in over her head. Even as JC introduces Sky to a new world of sensual pleasure, danger and tragedy start to converge. Sky is swept away, body and soul. But secrets and misunderstandings tear them apart, and Sky’s first love turns into her worst nightmare.

It is intended for mature readers. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adult readers only.
 
Obsession Vol 2
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1QrECOt
 Skylar Parker is an aspiring model on the brink of international success. She has almost everything she could want: beauty, fame, fortune, and her two best friends. But she is haunted by her first heartbreak and the simultaneous death of her mother. Since JC betrayed her four years ago, she has never let herself be touched by another man.

Jean Carlo DePandi, billionaire and playboy, has turned his family’s humble Italian vineyards into Europe’s most recognized brand of wine, but he too hides a troubled past. He has overcome poverty and loss, but remains haunted by memories of the innocent girl who slipped through his fingers six years ago. His need for control dominates his life, and he’s not afraid to cross boundaries to get what he wants.

Their paths cross again at a fashion show in Paris, where Sky’s deep mistrust of JC clashes with her long-buried desire for him. She hopes one passionate night will be enough to get him out of her system once and for all. She couldn't be more wrong.

This is the second installment of the Turbulent Desire Series. It is intended for mature readers.



Torn Vol 3
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1JDGCh6

***WARNING*** Due to strong language, and sexual situations, this series is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***

After succumbing to a night of pure enthrallment, with the beautiful, aspiring model Skylar Parker, young entrepreneur Jean Carlo DePandi, realizes he could never get enough of her. His need for control dominates his life, and he’s not afraid to cross boundaries to keep her protected from his troubled past.

The one nightstand clashes with Skylar long-buried desire for the driven and dazzling entrepreneur Jean Carlo DePandi. She hoped one passionate night would be enough to get him out of her system. She was wrong and when he proposes a new relationship, Sky cannot resist. They start a sensual and alluring affair and Sky learns more about her driving and demanding gorgeous Italian lovers past.

While JC moves sea, and land to prevent Sky from learning about the secret of his mother that he is sure will shatter the heart. Sky struggles to make the most important decision of her life as she envy’s an important woman in JC’s life.

Destined to be together, yet seemingly impossible, JC is determined to fight his inner demons and the world itself if it’s needed to keep her.

 

Author Links

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ErickaSantanaAuthor?ref=bookmarks

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TurbulentDesire

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9849936.Ericka_Santana

Blog - http://authorerickasantana.blogspot.com/

Do Not Disturb by A.R. Torre

Equal parts Dexter and 50 Shades, this is the eagerly awaited follow-up to the award winning erotic thriller, The Girl in 6E, by A.R. Torre.

My rules:

1. Don't leave the apartment.

2. Never let anyone in.

3. Don't kill anyone.

The rules were simple and I broke them.

Now I must face the consequences.

Everyone else must face me.

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:

5/5 Stars
A.R. Torre did it again... Another heart racing read that was packed with sexy and suspense.

 

Do Not Disturb continues where the first book left off. Deanna is feeling different though... Almost, free. She starts pushing the limits and even gives in to temptation and leaves the apartment. Her doctor doesn't think it's a good idea, but hell what does he know... When she meets a new customer that pushes the limits, her world begins to slowly turn upside down. He wants to meet in person and she wants nothing to do with it. What she doesn't know is Marcus is dangerous and doesn't take no very well. He sets out to uncover all of Deanna's secrets and in the end comes face to face with the devil herself.

 

Gosh, this is my go-to Author for obvious reasons. Her writing is raw and intense. It captures a reader's attention and slowly and intricately weaves into their mind.... consuming and controlling with dark erotic words. I loved this book so much. While it was similar to book one, it brought a unique twist that made you feel like you were meeting Deanna for the first time. She was different in this book... Still a bad ass, but also a tad softer in a hard way? If that makes any sense... Her attitude was still dark, but her feelings were gray. Jeremy has rooted in her heart and even her hacker seems to pull out emotion. It really added to her character and made me love her even more.

 

Now, let me say erotica is not my preferred genre, but A.R. knows how to write sex scenes that make us think. Each seductive word is meant to manipulate. If I could... I would unread this series just so I could start it again for the first time. It was truly that good!

Highly recommend it to all readers!

Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat Review

When Ivy Emerson’s family loses their house—complete with her beloved piano—the fear of what’s to come seizes her like a bad case of stage fright. Only this isn’t one of her single, terrifying performances. It’s her life.

And it isn’t pretty.

Ivy is forced to move with her family out of their affluent neighborhood to Lakeside, also known as “the wrong side of the tracks.” Hiding the truth from her friends—and the cute new guy in school, who may have secrets of his own—seems like a good idea at first. But when a bad boy next door threatens to ruin everything, Ivy’s carefully crafted lies begin to unravel . . . and there is no way to stop them.

As things get to the breaking point, Ivy turns to her music, some unlikely new friends, and the trusting heart of her disabled little brother. She may be surprised that not everyone is who she thought they were . . . including herself.

Debut author Sharon Huss Roat crafts a charming and timely story of what happens when life as you know it flips completely upside down.

Amazon Link - http://amzn.to/1HlqDa2

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

*Received an ARC from Harper Teen for honest review*
This book was everything a wonderful YA read should be... It was unique, quirky, inspiring, emotional, and romantic.

 

This story will suck you in with deep seeded emotions and hold you captive with an intoxicating love triangle. Ivy goes from being popular and well off, to self conscious and poor... Her family moves to the other side of town and she struggles to adjust to the new lifestyle. Her goal is to keep the move quiet and not let anyone find out, but eventually her secrets reveal themselves. It's not an easy journey, but in the end Ivy finds comfort in her new situation.

 

I loved every minute of this read. Ivy's inner battle was frustrating at times, but in the end it was all worth it. She opened her eyes to the what she truly wanted and didn't worry about what anyone else thought. 

 

Team Lennie or Team James you ask? Of course Lennie... I loved him from the beginning. The way he carried himself all big and bad, but cowered to Ivy's little brother, tugged at my heart strings. He was mysterious and caring and quite perfect. James truly didn't have a chance....

 

Overall, It was an empowering a book that all readers should experience. Highly Recommend

Clear rating

 

When Ivy Emerson’s family loses their house—complete with her beloved piano—the fear of what’s to come seizes her like a bad case of stage fright. Only this isn’t one of her single, terrifying performances. It’s her life.

And it isn’t pretty.

Ivy is forced to move with her family out of their affluent neighborhood to Lakeside, also known as “the wrong side of the tracks

Hearts of Fire (Hearts #2) by L.H. Cosway

The Circus Spektakulär is proud to present Jack McCabe: Fire-breather, knife-thrower, risk-taker. My house burned down when I was just a boy, robbing me of both my parents.

Now I breathe fire, eat the poison that almost killed me.

Crowds come to see me night after night. Men for the spectacle, women for the thrill. I’m an oddity to be stared at and desired. With each flame I spit, I risk my life.

I wear scars on my body that will never go away, but the scars inside my head are far more difficult to overlook.

My brother doesn’t know me, and if I have it my way he never will.

Life was going exactly the way I’d planned until Lille came along. She wanted to run away with the circus, have an adventure, but this world was never meant for her.

I try to keep her safe, because she doesn’t know the dangers that are out here on the road. She doesn’t know the monsters that lurk behind the bright lights of the ring. In truth, I could be considered one of them.

We were fashioned from different cloths, never intended to mix. So I watch her. I try not to touch, even when her eyes invite me.

Join us in the Spiegeltent and let us give you a show. Allow my Lille to draw a picture for you in paint and sweat and skin.

The truest love is always the hardest to let in.

This is a standalone romance that tells the story of Jack McCabe, Jay Fields’ long lost, presumed dead brother. It is not necessary to have read Six of Hearts in order to enjoy Hearts of Fire.  

AMAZON LINK -> http://amzn.to/1HFsV2E

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars
Lately, I've been coming across so many books with similar premises, but Hearts of Fire was outside the box and in a league of it's own. It was captivating, magical, suspenseful, and romantic. I instantly found myself wrapped up in the storyline and consumed by the characters.

Jack was quite the book boyfriend... He was sexy in an emotionally damaged, fire breathing way. I loved him! At first I thought he was just a hot guy with lots of talent, but as the book progressed I started to realize that there was more to him than meets the eye. When he finally revealed his secrets, I felt pain and empathy in the deepest parts of my soul. My heart ached for him and I was so glad that in the end Lille helped him find a bit of peace.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read... I think I would have enjoyed it even more if there weren't as many sexual scenes in the second half, but I still enjoyed the other parts enough to rate this one a solid 4 stars.

If you like risqué, one of a kind reads... Hurry and one click this one! You won't be disappointed.

This one can be read as a standalone....

*I DID NOT READ BOOK #1 FIRST*

Fall Out Girl by L. Duarte

Imagine a social outcast: Me. (Luna)

Imagine a popular boy: Him. (Caleb)

Sound like the characters of a cliché story, right? Here, hold my hand. Come away with me. I’ll tell you my story, and you’ll decide.

But I have a warning: Proceed at your own risk. Since it’s a snippet of my life, I’m one of the main characters. And to put it lightly, I’m not the most likable person in the world, cue the earned label. Also, unlike fairy tales, my story is real with a dash of sorrow and loss.

How do I start? Once upon a time…? Shoot me now, please.

The beginning? No, too boring.

Well, let’s start with the catalytic moment that set in motion a chain of events that changed my life, yet again.

As for a happily ever after? Sorry, no spoilers here. You’re going to have to figure that one out on your own. After you read my tale, it becomes yours, and as such, you’re entitled to your interpretation.

So, off we go!

Fasten your seat belts. This ride may get bumpy.

AMAZON LINK -> http://amzn.to/1EnhxHR

MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/5 Stars

The storyline was amazing. The birds truly make the book. I loved the cute little additions that tied everything together. It leaned towards YA, but with edgy twists. It was about a girl that struggles to make ends meet. Her living arrangement is quite sad and her way of life is dark. When Caleb comes into her life she tries to keep her walls up and maintain a tough persona, but little by little he chips away the exterior to show a beautifully flawed Luna.

 

The love story was very unique and you will fall in love with the characters. They each had their own imperfections and that is what made them such a perfect couple. It wasn't always hearts and flowers, but in the end we learned that love surpasses all.

 

I think the Author did a great job at creating a one of kind story that sucks readers in and consumes them with emotions. The reason I wouldn't give it a solid five is because some of the wording and editing became sloppy at times.

 

Overall, I highly recommend this book to all readers that like darker YA reads.

One Week in Hawaii Cover Reveal

Title: One Week in Hawaii
Authors: Alexis Anne, Audra North, Julia Kelly, Alexandra HaughtonRelease Date: May 19 (now available for preorder)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1y5G6bp
iBooks: http://apple.co/1GlNTTh
Barnes & Noble: Link will be available May 19
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/one-week-in-hawaii

One Week in Hawaii
Sun, sand, and seduction.

This summer, Alexis Anne, Audra North, Julia Kelly, and Alexandra Haughton sweep you away to paradise for One Week in Hawaii.

A wedding planner breaks all the rules to have just one night of pleasure, only to find that a stolen moment might hold the key to forever.

A movie star falls hard for her sexy co-star…who just happens to be her best friend.

A former black sheep risks falling from grace again when she seduces a handsome stranger with a dark history.

An artist has to choose between dating a guy who will please her parents and one who will please…and pleasure…her.
Sex on the beach is so much more than a drink in these four sizzling contemporary novellas by the authors who brought you One Week in Wyoming.

****Individual Novellas****

The Wedding Week by Julia Kelly
Hot LA chef Chris Benson is ready for his week in paradise. Playing groomsman in his college roommate's wedding, touring the Hawaiian hotel that wants him to open a restaurant on the grounds...sounds like the perfect mix of work and play. That is, until he meets the hotel's no-nonsense wedding planner--a woman who just happens to blow him away.

Wedding planner Annie Kalani lives by the rules. The biggest one? Don't get involved with the guests. Especially the ones who make her want to do risky things. But all it takes is one night on the beach with Chris before she's risking everything she's worked for.

 

Loving Rebecca by Alexis Anne
A kiss is all that stands between Hollywood movie stars Rebecca Seymour and Luke Harrington’s happily ever after. Best friends for three years, neither has been single or brave enough to find out whether the electricity surging between them is merely intense friendship, or something much deeper.

After both Luke and Rebecca go through nasty breakups, a dream vacation with friends puts them in Hawaii for a week between shoots. It’s the perfect opportunity to push the boundaries and finally find out if they are destined to be friends or lovers. But will their long awaited kiss be the beginning of new love or an utter disaster?

 

After the Fall by Alexandra Haughton
Paradise lost…
Joss McAllister worked hard to earn the title of family wild child. Her crowning achievement? An epic meltdown at her sister’s wedding five years ago. She’s just now back in her family’s good graces, so when she goes to their condo—the first time since The Wedding Mistake—Joss is on her best behavior. That means no drinking, no drama, and definitely no in flagrante delicto. But when Andrew Reynolds stumbles into her life one hot Hawaiian evening, she is one stone-cold sober sexcapade from making another mistake.

Paradise found…
Drew is a damaged soul. After his distinguished career as a photojournalist goes down in flames, he’s at loose ends. A chance encounter with Joss soothes him in ways he’d thought impossible, tempting him to forget life’s complications. But when their clandestine affair threatens everything they hold dear, will they walk out of Paradise together?

 

Blinded by Audra North
Chelsea Kato is convinced that dating Brandon Myers will be the accomplishment that finally impresses her parents. Going away to Hawaii for a week to celebrate her brother’s wedding is the perfect opportunity to get some time alone with the rich, successful attorney. She’ll win his interest and her parents’ approval.

But when Mike Dalton, her brother’s childhood best friend, gets wind of her plan, he does everything in his power to get Chelsea to realize that Brandon isn’t the right guy for her. Mike is. And he’s got a plan of his own to show her what she’s truly worth.

 

Lighter by Gia Riley Review

What do you do when you can't save the one you love?

Sophie can’t survive without control. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she craves the discipline of gymnastics. Feeling lost on a brand new college campus, she lets loose for the first time in her life. But with freedom comes consequences. Is one night everything she hopes? Or will she become her own worst nightmare?

Kipton's one year away from graduation. He's never thought beyond a one night stand until meeting his sister’s new roommate. Finally setting his sights on the girl he can't resist, he's more determined than ever when she won't give in to his persuasions. He's always gotten the girl, and he's not about to give up without a fight.

Will Sophie be able to salvage her dreams and wage a war against her own vices? Can she finally let love in? Or will history repeat itself causing her to self-destruct?

Lighter isn't your typical college romance. Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost. Love takes on a whole new meaning.

 

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

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

 

Lighter was a unique read with a mixture of light and dark... It wasn't a sexual/murder/mind f dark, but a deep set emotional dark. Sophie has been through a lot. Her life has been a struggle and gymnastics has always been her escape. When she moves for college to follow her dreams, life seems to look up, but the darkness quickly consumes her and she falls back into her old ways. Sickness overtakes her body and mind... It takes the one and only hotty, Kipton to pull her into the light and show her what it is to be loved.

 

Lighter was fast paced with lots of angst. It had sweet, romantic parts, but it's main focus was on a push and pull relationship. Sophie wants to trust, but her past holds her back. She has a wall built up and slowly, but surely it comes caving in. Secrets are revealed and lies threaten to destroy. It takes time, thought, and lots of tears to put everything back together, but the Author does give us an HEA.

What I enjoyed about this book is that it was unique. The story is a typical college age romance, but with so many one of a kind aspects. You will never guess what's to come and Sophie's big issue will make you take a step back to think.

 

The reason why I gave it a 4 and not a 5 is because the storyline wasn't really my style. It was a book that pulled you in and kept you interested, but Sophie is enough to drive someone slightly nuts. I know that her issues were very real and very scary, but at times I just couldn't wrap my brain around it all.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The Author's writing was superb and that is what kept me reading... She knows how to take something ugly, and turn it into something truly inspiring.