Ten Below Zero by Whitney Barbetti Review

WARNING: This is not a story about two happy people who fall easily into love. This is a story about two broken people who find one another - and don't necessarily like each other. These characters are blunt, rude, and at times annoying. They are broken and sheltered and vulnerable.

This book has violence, sexual situations, and harsh language and is not recommended for those under 17.

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“In here,” he said, pushing on the skin above my heart, “you're ten below zero. And you’re closer to death than I am.”

My name is Parker. My body is marked with scars from an attack I don’t remember. I don’t want to remember. I choose to live my life by observation, not through experience. While people are laughing and kissing and connecting, I’m in the corner. Watching them live. I’m indifferent to everything, everyone. The only emotion I feel with any kind of depth is annoyance, and I feel it often.

A text message sent to the wrong number proves to be my undoing.

His name is Everett, but I call him rude. He’s pushy, he’s arrogant, he crowds my personal space, and worst of all: he makes me feel.

He chooses to wear all black, all the time, as if he’s waiting to attend a funeral. Probably because he is.

Everett is dying. And he’s spending his final days living, truly living. In doing so, he’s forcing me to feel, to heal. To come face to face with the demons I suppressed in my memory.

He hurts me, he fulfills me, he completes me. And still, he's dying.

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/YWNLaX

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

A story about two broken characters coming together to mend one another....

 

Wow! This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Parker is a broken young woman who has dealt with many struggles in her life. She carries emotional burdens and physical flaws. She has sass and basically takes life one day at time. When she meets Everett her life is turned upside down. She finds herself questioning her feelings and slowly letting her guard down.

 

Parker and Everett's relationship is not an insta-love which I loved!

 They pick on one another and begin their journey as friends who are brutally honest. Everett tells her when she is being cold and she tells him when he is being rude. As time progresses though Parker becomes Everett's addiction. He will do anything to see her smile. He wants her to start enjoying the life she was given. When Parker finds out that he has Cancer though her thoughts are all over the place. She can't understand why he won't get the surgery, but does everything she can to better understand. Together they travel and learn to confide in each other. They build a romantic connection and embark on a journey full of heart ache, confusion, hope, and love.

 

This book did not disappoint at all! I was instantly sucked into the storyline and captivated by the characters. Yeah, they weren't always lovey dovey.... but that's what made this book that much better! It was so much more romantic to watch their relationship slowly progress. We got to feel and understand exactly how the love came about. It wasn't the intimate connection... It was about the emotions and unspoken understandings. At times I felt my heart squeeze... I was pulling for them throughout the entire book and towards the end I was going crazy. My mind was all over the place trying to guess what was going to happen. I felt my heart race and at times drop. The real factor was there and I can honestly say that the ending felt like a perfect fit!

 

All in all it was truly a beautiful story that had hints of light and shadows of dark.
It showed that love isn't always easy... It takes time, understanding, and lots of work.

I Loved it & would Recommend it to all mature readers! 

 



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

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

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!!

Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher Review

When reclusive novelist Senna Richards wakes up on her thirty-third birthday, everything has changed. Caged behind an electrical fence, locked in a house in the middle of the snow, Senna is left to decode the clues to find out why she was taken. If she wants her freedom, she has to take a close look at her past. But, her past has a heartbeat…and her kidnapper is nowhere to be found. With her survival hanging by a thread, Senna soon realizes this is a game. A dangerous one. Only the truth can set her free.

 

AMAZON LINK:
http://amzn.to/1g19zEi

 

 

My Thoughts:

5/5 Stars

 

This beautiful story was filled with tragedy, hope, mystery, undying love, and gut wrenching emotion.

 

Words really can't express how much I loved this book.

The storyline was unique and with each page I became more and more consumed.

 

Senna is a woman dealing with emotional instability. Due to heartbreak and life changing events, she thrives to feel. After a unexpected event, a tragic diagnosis and one oncological surgeon her life is turned upside down. She falls for him, but can't seem to express her true feelings.

 

When she wakes up in a un known place and finds Issac tied up she feels lost and confused. Together they have to face being abandoned, hungry, and upset. Through the pain and hard times they find love... an all consuming love.

 

This book was well written and had me begging for more with each turn of the page. I loved the mystery aspect and I loved the lesson behind the book. To me, this book shows that love is about not giving up and sacrificing everything for one another. With them being locked away together, Senna was forced to express herself and how she truly felt through her actions. She was forced to feel in the deepest way.

 

The romance in this book is not your typical romance. It is dark and twisted. It will mess with your mind and have you thinking "What the heck is going on?".

 

This story grabbed my heart and squeezed tightly.

I highly recommend this read!

 

 

 

 

When it Rains by Lisa De Jong

When it Rains

by Lisa De Jong

*This book contains mature subject matter and is not intended for those under the age of 17.*

One night changed my life forever.

Beau Bennett has been my best friend since I can remember. He was my first crush before everything came crashing down, and now he wants more, but it's more than I can give him. Things are different now. I wish I could tell him why, but I can't.

I haven’t told anyone.

I never knew how much I really needed him until the day he left for college, and I was completely alone.

Then one day, Asher Hunt rides into town with his dark, captivating eyes and cocky grin. He doesn't care who I used to be, he's simply breathing life into what’s left. People warn me to stay away from him, but he helps me forget the pain that has held me hostage for so long; something I thought was impossible before he walked into my life.

I’ve been hurt.

I’ve been saved.

And I’ve found hope.

I thought my story was written that night, but now I know it was only a new beginning. Until one secret turns my world upside down…

Again.

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

This book will rip your heart out and leave you with "ugly tears". I truly can't say enough about this book. It was everything wrapped into one. There were three wonderful characters, romance, heart break, loss, and new love.

 

Beau was Kate's best friend and together they went through it all. When he finally announces he is in love with her ... It is too late. He is off to college and she is struggling with a tragedy that happened years before.

Kate isn't the care free fun girl she used to be and when new guy, Asher comes to town her world is turned upside down. He lets her see the light and changes her for the better. Together they fall in love and learn each others deepest secrets. Beau though cant let go...

 

There is a twist towards the end of the book that makes you scream "NOOO!". Kate remains by Asher's side and devotes herself to him. They share many memories and fall even deeper in love.

 

 I will leave you at this so I don't spoil the rest...

The book is fabulous. I wasn't bored at any part and I loved the cute little touches the Author adds. She pays attention to the simple things and I can appreciate that.

~Hurry now go pick up this book. You will not be disappointed!

 

When You're Ready by J.L. Berg Review

Description:

Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?

Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words “When You’re Ready” written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.

Logan Matthews is the son of a billionaire who has spent his entire life trying to make his absent father proud. Years of living up to a man who was more ghost than father, and a publicly failed marriage has left Logan cold and emotionless until he walks into an exam room and discovers a woman who can stop his heart, make his body burn with desire and leave his entire world altered.

But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you never know if you are truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all.

Goodreads

Amazon

 

My Thoughts:

One of the best books I have ever read! 

 5 Stars
 

I cannot praise this book enough.

It had a beautiful storyline with awesome characters!

 

Clare Murray, a single mother lost her husband to cancer. He was her one true love and

she spent years grieving.  Leah, her best friend pushes her to get back out into the dating scene, but she has never met someone to make her want to date again... that is until she meets Dr. Matthews.

 

"I locked eyes with Clare one more time, trying to memorize the emerald color that shined through them. It's true, a man could get lost in those eyes forever, but it wasn't going to be me." -Logan

 

Logan Matthews is a sexy man, with a player lifestyle. When he meets

Clare he feels an undeniable connection and wants nothing more than to be near her.

As their relationship progresses Maddie (Clare's daughter) becomes attached and

Clare finds herself completely head over heels. A huge surprise happens towards the

end of the book threatening to tear them apart. 

 A letter from Clare's Ex may just be the relationship saver.

 

"Did I mention you look amazing? Downright fucking beautiful" -Logan

 

This story brought so much to the table... 

It had laughter, romance, friendship, heartbreak,

family issues, & of course sexiness!

 

 

The Author did an amazing job at writing a book that, you as a reader, related to.

I was surprised to find myself so emotionally connected to Clare & Logan.

 I was a mess near the end, tears streaming down my face!

I will never forget this book & I am pretty sure

that Logan will forever be one of my book boyfriends~

 

I highly recommend!

 

My Logan & Clare:

 

 

The Devil Knows Tour

 

My Thoughts on "The Devil Knows"

 

 

If you love intense emotion, fantasy, and romance “The Devil Knows” is most definitely for you.

This book was an addicting 5 out of 5. I read it in one sitting and found my self intoxicated by the storyline and the characters. Sometimes Authors give excessive amount of details that do not pertain to the plot, but not K.C Cavanaugh. Each sentence sucks you in and comes together to form a wonderful read. The emotion in this book will consume you. There are parts that have you screaming at the characters one moment and rooting for them the next. The topics discussed in the book will pull on your heart strings and have you thinking about life and how much you have to be thankful for. It is so hard not fall in love with Jeremiah, the Dr. and demon. He may have a dark side, but he proves that one kiss can change the way you go about everything. The friendship portrayed in this book is that of family. The two girls lay everything on the line for one another and don’t think twice about doing such. Towards the end of the book new concepts are introduced and adds a twist to the plot. The fantasy in this story allows you to escape reality, then before you know it the term “Cancer” pulls you back in. I think a lot of times Authors try to write about real situations, but fall short. K.C did a great job with writing raw intensity that proves to be real issues in everyday life. Throughout the book I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and by the end I was begging for book 2. I think the Author did a fabulous job with this book and I would recommend it to all readers.

About the Book:

“The Devil Knows” is a paranormal romance-drama. It starts off with Megan learning that her best friend since birth has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Megan’s life is then consumed by the drive to find a way to save Anya. She scours the internet looking for medical answers, as well as those that seem far-fetched and impossible.

Soon, her computer leads her to the possibility of making a deal with the devil. Megan wonders if it’s even possible for her to give up her soul to save Anya. Not knowing where to begin, she soon discovers clues and signs that seem to be left for her, which leads her to an occult shop where she tries to find some answers.

But it doesn’t take long for Anya to get worse, as it seems each day her condition deteriorates. Even the doctors are baffled by the progression of the cancer, as it’s much more aggressive than anticipated. During a trip to the emergency room with Anya, Megan meets Dr. Carson who is Anya’s attending physician.

Quickly a spark between Megan and the doctor ignites, even though there appears to be something that just isn’t right about the emergency room doctor. Besides he treated Anya, so that makes Megan feels weird. Plus there is the fact that she’s been thinking about selling her soul, so a relationship is the last thing on Megan’s mind! But after a few encounters, Megan realizes that Jeremiah Carson may not be exactly who he has portrayed himself to be.

Who holds the answers to curing Anya? Could Megan really sell her soul when it comes down to it? Only the devil knows…

Excerpt One:

 

"Are they talking about admitting her?" Megan asked, trying to keep the horror out of her voice. From their conversations the doctors hadn't thought hospitalization would be necessary and she could receive her chemo as an outpatient. If the emergency room doctors were considering hospitalization for anything other than dehydration and nausea, then Anya was not in good shape. If so, all the optimism and perky tones in the world wouldn't do her any good.

"I don't know," Bryan repeated, clearly frustrated. "I don't think the doctors know!"

"Okay, okay," Megan said, trying to calm Bryan down. "I'll be there soon. Let her know, okay?"

"Yeah," he said weakly and mumbled that he needed to go and he'd see her soon.

The phone clicked, signaling the call was disconnected and Megan had to fight the urge to put her head back and close her eyes as she merged onto the interstate. Thankfully the rush hour traffic was dissipating.

Minutes later Megan was maneuvering through downtown, silently cursing every red light. She had been able to see the hospital since she exited the interstate and was anxious to reach her destination.

Finally, the light turned and car in front of her rolled through the intersection. Megan made her right turn into the hospital parking garage and felt her pulse begin to race.

It wasn't fear of being too late, but the fear the unknown. Having just seen Anya earlier, Megan wasn't sure what kind of state her best friend was going to be in.

The parking garage was across the street from the hospital and Megan collected the ticket so she could proceed further into the underbelly of the garage and begin her hunt for a space.

Parking was a nightmare—almost as bad as the ones she had been suffering at night. She reached the third level before she found a parking spot in a distant corner of the garage. She quickly trotted to the elevator, waited for what felt like hours, and wrote it down to street level.

　

Excerpt Two:

“So, that doctor was pretty cute, huh?” Anya asked, teasing.

Snorting, Megan retorted, “Oh yeah, a real hottie.” But in the back of her mind, she was drooling over the good doctor. He wasn’t bad to look at, Megan had to admit. Though he didn’t do anything to warrant the opinion, she got the impression he could be intense.

“He seemed to think the same about you,” Anya replied.

“Anya! He was there as your doctor, not to pick up girls.” Megan couldn’t believe Anya’s playful mood. She never teased Megan about guys—well, hardly ever. “Look, I have too much on my plate right now with school. I’m not looking for anything,” she said, trying to figure out if she was trying to convince Anya, or herself.

“Who said you have to be looking for something, Megs? He’s hot, you’re hot, and the two of you could be hot.”

The look Anya was giving her made Megan burst out in laughter. This was good. She liked having this happy, clever Anya around. It was how Megan wanted to remember her.

 

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Meet the Author

K.C. grew up in a small town in Northeastern PA, she still lives close to her hometown, remaining close with her friends and family. She has been writing since a young age, and always wanted to be a writer. Before now, she focused on poetry and short stories. The Devil Knows is her debut novel, and was written after K.C. found out that a family friend was diagnosed with cancer.

With lots of projects in the works, she is hoping to release her second novel this summer. You can look for her YA apocalyptic trilogy, Eternal Trilogy (with a few additional shorts), and a YA paranormal mystery.

Check out her pages!

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