Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel

In Paris, family and friends gather to mourn the tragic passing of Charlie Price—young, handsome, charming, a world-traveler—who is presumed dead after an explosion. Authorities find only a bloodied jacket, ID’d as Charlie’s. At the funeral, two teens who are perfect strangers, Lena Whitney and Aubrey Boroughs, make another shocking discovery: they have both been dating Charlie, both think Charlie loved them and them alone, and there is a lot they didn’t know about their boyfriend. Over the next week, a mind-bending trip unfolds: first in London—then in Mumbai, Kerala, and Bangkok, the girls go in search of Charlie. Is he still alive? What did their love for him even mean? The truth is out there, but soon it becomes clear that the girls are harboring secrets of their own.

No one knows whom to trust in this thrilling tale of suspense and deception.

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

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

This one was a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode. We are sucked in at page one and quickly become tangled in the intricate weaved lies of Charlie. No one truly knows what's going on, but everyone knows it's not good. It's like a sick, twisted game of cat and mouse. Aubrey and Lena think the ball is in their court, but what they don't know is... Charlie is controlling every move they make. I expected a huge ending, but I never expected to have my mind blown. It was intense, gut wrenching, and left me begging for the next book.

I LOVED this book. I felt as though the story latched onto me and didn't let go until the very last word. Each scene painted a vivid picture in my mind and each emotion was felt deep within my soul. My heart ached for the characters and fear raced through my veins. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. I was like an addict craving their drug of choice. The more I got, the more I wanted. Towards the ending though... when I knew it was going to get intense, I slowed my pace. I took my time to devour each word and prolonged the dreadful ending I knew to expect. Reading the last few chapters I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and my hands shaking a bit. I couldn't believe how it all played out. I even went back and reread the same pages to make sure I didn't miss something. It was truly a one of kind book with a one of a kind plot.

Yes there is a cliffhanger, but I promise that it is so worth it.
I highly recommend Charlie, Presumed Dead to all readers with a love for mystery and suspense!
It is one of my favorites of 2015 & deserves 6 Stars.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid Review

This heartrending debut novel weaves a beautiful love story with an homage to the redemptive power of female friendship.

 

Elsie and Ben are average twenty-somethings, but this is not your average love story. It begins bright and promising: the newlywed couple is head over heels in love, having eloped six months after they met. But it all shatters in an instant; Ben out riding his bike, is hit by a truck—and dies on impact.

Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, his body has already been taken to the hospital. When she arrives, Elsie is greeted by an unexpected visitor—her mother-in-law, Susan, whom she has never met and who doesn’t even know she exists.

Both are seared with grief; Susan is still mourning the death of her own husband several years earlier, and the loss of her only son is almost too much to bear. The two women immediately sour on one another, fighting over what to do with Ben’s belongings and how to fulfill his wishes. But as time goes by, Susan and Elsie both realize that despite the terrible accident that brought them together, they are now the only family they have left.

Interweaving Elsie and Ben’s charmed romance with Elsie and Susan’s healing process, Forever, Interrupted will make you laugh, make you cry, and remind you that there’s more than one way to live happily ever after.  

 

AMAZON LINK - http://amzn.to/1Hdo3Os

MY THOUGHTS:5/5 STARS

 

I don't think I'll ever look at fruity pebbles the same way again... Talk about an emotional, gripping story that is life changing, inspiring, and an absolute MUST READ. This one exceeded all of my expectations. My heart was shattered into tiny colorful pieces at the beginning and with each word after, was slowly pieced together again.

 

Forever, Interrupted is about a woman finding her one true love only to lose him six months later to a tragic accident. Don't worry though... This isn't one of those books that makes you love the main guy, kills him off, and then sends in a new Casanova to sweep the woman off her feet. No, this one was about the mourning process and how sometimes in order to move on you have to face the past head on. You will get a love story, but through flashbacks. The root of the story is that time doesn't signify feeling. In the briefest moment you can experience something that others never feel.

 

I loved it... I absolutely loved it! The writing was superb. The story was intense and the characters were one of a kind. It made me thankful for my life and it made me hug my husband a little tighter. It is a story that every reader should experience!

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven Review

The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!
 
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.Includes a PDF Help Line Resource Guide and a Note Read by the Author.

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

MY THOUGHTS:
4.5/5 Stars

Violet struggles to live life to the fullest because she has the weight of guilt and loss on her shoulders. Finch thinks about death on a daily basis and struggles with mental illness. Together they embark on a unique journey of finding the beauty in their state and their connection to one another.

The early chapters were a bit slow and at times I felt like I wouldn't make it to the end... However, I am so glad I continued on because as the story progressed, it grabbed onto my heart and squeezed tight. It was a beautiful, heart breaking story. The characters were intense and their romance was truly one of kind.

All the Bright Places is one that sticks with you long after the last page. It is a raw and intense plot that will leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed. While it had the cutesy YA additions, it also had a deep set message behind it. I was consumed by the romance and mystery and in end ... my heart was shattered into a thousand little pieces.

It's not a light read and it's not for those who like a perfect happily ever after, but I definitely recommend it to readers of all ages!

The Contradiction of Solitude by A. Meredith Walters Review

You may notice me, but you will never know me.
I prefer it that way.
I am the daughter of a monster.
Born from blood and lies.
Dead before I have truly lived.
But Elian tells me that I'm different.
He tells me that I'm beautiful.
That I'm an enigma wrapped in irresistibly complicated skin.
Elian says that he loves me.
These words terrify me.
I can't trust love.
Or hope.
Or truth.
Because I fear the beast inside.
It threatens to drown Elian and his sweet, unconditional love.
It's a beast that will destroy everything.


**Reader Warning**
There is NO warning. I won't tell you if there's a HEA, a cliffhanger, or a love triangle. Just read it and find out for yourself but please don't post spoilers.
The fun of a story is figuring it all out!

*Note- this is a psychological thriller and nothing like my previous books!**

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

 

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

This book goes straight to the top of my 2015 Favorites list...
Talk about a psychological thriller!! This one picked me up, carried me to a dark, crazy world, and eventually blew me away. My mind was blown and my heart was shattered into ten million tiny little pieces time and time again.

I honestly feel like my mind was violated. I learned to trust and that was my downfall. The darkness slowly consumed me and I couldn't see anything in front of me. The story crawled deep within my soul and began controlling my thoughts and feelings. I was manipulated by fictional characters... How silly is that? I felt pain, but in some sick, twisted way... The pain set me free.

If you liked YOU by Caroline Kepnes... You will LOVE this one. It is similar, only better. The writing was flawless and the story was captivating. The Author gave us just enough info to rob us of our sanity and keep us guessing the whole way through. You may think you know what will happen in the end, but until that last page closes... nothing is certain.

Forgotten Treasures by D. Hart Review

*** Based on actual events ***

“Forgotten Treasures is beautifully layered with twists and revelations you will never see coming! Dani Hart keeps the pages turning in this sweet romance sprinkled with the hope of undying love. I found myself engrossed, demanding to know what happens next. Each revelation is another key to the puzzle. Perfectly complex! Mesmerizing.” Addison Moore, New York Times Bestselling Author

In the aftermath of destruction, hearts were destroyed, strengths were stripped, and vulnerabilities were exposed.

A community was ripped apart after a tragic accident, and the loss hit one family particularly hard as it claimed the lives of three, leaving only one surviving member to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Baylor’s life was wiped clean in the blink of an eye. No family, no home, no name. That is, until she met Brandt. He took a chance, giving her hope and a reason to start over. A reason to rebuild a life full of forgotten memories. A reason to trust. A reason to love.

Finding love in all the right places should be easy, but when truths are revealed, it's anything but. Brandt will help her rediscover the true meaning of unconditional eternal love that will prove painful, life altering, and redeeming.

Together, they will try to face the future and will use each other’s strengths to learn how to live again. Can they rewrite history, or in the end, will the tragedies of their pasts be too much?

AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1ACHz6A

MY THOUGHTS:
4/5 Stars

*I received an advanced copy for an honest review*

This was an intense story about living with amnesia and getting a second chance at love.
It was fast paced and held my attention the whole way through...

The female lead woke up in the hospital with no memory of her name, who she is, or what happened that put her there. Her mind is worn out, her body is physically drained, and her heart feels shattered... When she is forced out, she relies on strangers Grady and Brandt to take care of her. Together they work together to pull the past out, one secret at a time.

The parts that made this story so addictive to me were the gut wrenching moments. As she relived her memories and experienced those vivid dreams, I became consumed in the character's grief and desperation. My heart raced, my stomach clenched, and my palms became sweaty. I felt connected to the characters and it made it hard for me to put the book down.

I loved the mystery that went with this story... The whole time you are reading, your mind is working double time trying to figure out what really happened. Some of it is predictable though... I don't want to give away too much, but my intuition was right. It was intense and unique, but I was hoping for a huge twist near the end... when really we just get confirmation. I would've liked for there to be more of a shock factor. Something that left me thinking... "Wow, I never saw that coming".

However, I definitely recommend this book to all readers. It was a beautiful story about the mourning process, tragedy, forever love, and learning to live again.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin Review

The truth about Mara Dyer’s dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in this gripping sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.
Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1uUWG6m

 

My Thoughts:
5/5 Stars

 

Wow! What an emotional roller coaster ride... To say this one was a mind f* is an understatement. My heart just broke for Mara. Her family still thinks she is crazy. They don't believe anything she says. She spends time in a mental ward and has to act like everything is fine to be released. Once released she finds herself tangled in more danger and eventually a seat at a daily therapy retreat. Noah is once again by her side and refusing to do anything, but protect her *swoon*. Together they try to piece together the nightmares, freaky dolls, charms, hallucinations, and the past to present relation.

 

This book is everything a sequel should be. You get answers to questions and there is true development in the storyline. It's like reading a book for the first time all over again. Nothing felt repeated or lacking in importance. Each and every word came together to form a hauntingly, emotional, beautiful read.

 

This is YA read, but edged on the adult side. The sexual tension has progressed to actions and the romance is actually quite yummy. Noah will always be one of my favorites and this paranormal series will always be on my top reads list!



Flawed by Kate Avelynn Review

Sarah O'Brien is only alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago--James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she's watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she'll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James's best friend--and the boy Sarah's had a crush on--for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she's in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he's going to save her. Neither of them realizes James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he's not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact...

 

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/1uoUBA9

 

 

My Thoughts:

5/5 Stars

 

Flawed had everything I look for in a book...

Angst, Emotions, Romance, Suspense, and Heartbreak.

 

I cannot say enough good things... As emotional as it was, in some twisted way the story was beautiful. Yeah there were ugly parts and taboo scenes, but those made me connect to the characters and feel every emotion they were feeling. I quickly became addicted to the story and couldn't stop reading.

 

Sarah was kind, compassionate, and strong. The things she goes through are enough to make a person go insane, but somehow she holds it together. No matter what her feelings are towards Sam, her brother is in the back of her mind because he is controlling and possessive. Her father is a*whole*nother story... He is a d*ck. Excuse my language, but the things he does to Sarah are sickening! You will see if you read...

 

*Here is your warning* The ending is a WOW! I won't say if it's good or bad, but let me just say I have a HUGE Book Hangover from it!

 

All in all this book was one I will remember forever. It quickly jumped to the top of my all time favorites list. I recommend it to everyone!

Therapy by Kathryn Perez Review

Sometimes you have to get lost in order to be found... I'm needy. I'm broken. Cutting breaks through my numbness, but only opens more wounds. Depression, bullying, self-harm...that's my reality. Sex and guys...my escape. The space between the truth and lies is blurred leaving me torn, lost and confused. And while the monsters that live in my head try to beat me--the two men that I love try to save me. This is my story of friendship, heartache and the grueling journey that is mental-illness.

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

My Thoughts:

5/5 Stars

 

Wow! This story was like a complex multi piece puzzle.

With each word I read, I could see a bit more of the picture. Some pieces were broken, others were beautiful. All together they formed a complete picture.

 

Jessica goes through the toughest of circumstances. She is bullied by her peers to the point of suicide thoughts. She blocks out all emotions and when she has the need to feel, she cuts. Her escape is the sting of a razor blade.

When the popular guy at school starts standing up for her she doesn't know how to react. She wants to befriend him, but knows it will only cause her more trouble.

A late night beat down leads her back in his arms and that is the beginning of their friendship. They start to fall for one another, but know it will never work. They come from two different families and Jace's would never approve of Jessica.

When he goes off to college, years pass before they meet again. Jessica ends up in a life changing situation... Therapy leads to a new romance, heartbreak, and brutal truths.

 

Let's talk about the characters...
Jessica is emotionally damaged. She lets her demons determine her future. Smiles come occasionally, but most of the time she does all she can just to face another day.

Jace is popular, hot... Athletic and boyfriend to the "mean girl". He has demons of his own though, and a secret that he only reveals to Jessica.
Kinsley, Oh sweet, emotionally damaged, perfect, Kingsley. While he has his own secrets he helps Jessica to gain self confidence and feel beautiful in her own skin. He was my favorite!

 

This story was AMAZING, 5++ Stars and one every person should read. The depth behind the story is one that takes each sentence to reveal the true meaning. It is gut wrenching and beautiful at the same time.

 

I highly recommend it!