Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel

This emotionally-charged novel about three high school seniors who in the midst of planning their futures after high school are instead faced with present circumstances that force them to grasp what it means to make choices, take responsibility, and truly become an adult.

 

Lani Kennedy has dreamed of becoming a nurse since her cousin Arie died of leukemia. Nothing will stop her from getting into the local nursing program.

Dawson Burke hasn’t dealt with his mom’s death, and he’s angry at his dad for moving them to Windemere right before senior year. He grudgingly accepts that he must wait till graduation before he leaves.

Sloan Quentin can belt out a song and knows that her band is her ticket to fame and fortune. When she discovers that her boyfriend—the band’s lead guitarist—is cheating on her, she finds comfort—and revenge—in someone else’s arms.

When the lives of Lani, Dawson, and Sloan become entangled in unexpected ways, reality hits harder than anyone could have imagined.

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1X6KFxd

MY REVIEW

4/5 STARS

Thank you Penguin & Random House Kids for the ARC! 

Losing Gabriel wasn't at all what I expected. I think in the back of my brain I expected the cliche contemporary read with a roller coaster romance and an immature plot. However, McDaniel gave us a complex story with twists and turns, emotional turmoil, life struggles, and heart ache. The premise felt very mature and the overall outcome was quite beautiful. 

Lani, Dawson, and Sloan... They all went to school together yet never knew how much their lives would intertwine. The book starts with a brief intro to each character and then focuses on the romance between Sloan and Dawson. She wants to be a rockstar. He has college plans. All that changes though when something big happens between them. Eventually that something big tears them apart only to bring them together again. Enter Lani, the nursing student who finds Dawson attractive and Gabriel adorable. It is her job to protect them and when tragedy strikes her heart is shattered. It takes self exploration and forgiveness to put her back together again. 

The concept was great and overall I really enjoyed Losing Gabriel. I did however feel that the beginning and end were the strong points. The mid section was a tad slow and I didn't enjoy how the story jumped so much time. I also felt that the subject matter could be triggering to anyone who suffered abandonment or infertility. Sloan is a tough character to read about. Her behavior is despicable at times and truly, I never really grew to like her. Besides those minor things I think it is suitable for readers 15+ that enjoy books about life's struggles.

True Love Story by Willow Aster Review

Growing up in an idealistic home, Sparrow Fisher is sheltered and innocent. When she meets Ian Sterling, a musician who is rising in popularity, she instantly falls for his charm. They run into each other over the next few months and eventually begin an unconventional relationship. At different places in their lives, Sparrow is off to college in New York, and Ian is traveling the country with the band. When they see each other, all seems wonderful and lighthearted, but when they’re apart, Sparrow is left to wonder if Ian really cares about her the way he says he does, or if she’s just another pretty face to him. Once their relationship steadies, they’re both happier than they’ve ever been, and it’s hard to not get caught up in the magic they have together. Until something so devastating comes to light that threatens to shatter everything they’ve built with each other. True Love Story is a story about the real highs and lows that come with a relationship—happiness, pain, angst, and finding out if love really is enough.

 

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1s0aY5o

 

My Thoughts:

3/5 Stars

 

A beautiful story about a raw, emotional heartbreak.

 

Sparrow has the perfect family and a sweet boyfriend. However, when he proposes she can't help but crave the darker, mysterious man -Ian. They run into one another on several occasions and each time the connection grows deeper and deeper. Ian wants to maintain a long distance "situation" with no commitments, but eventually it leads to relationship and a heartbreak...

 

The heartbreak in this book gutted me. I fell for Sparrow and Ian's bond immediately and when I found out what Ian did... my jaw hit the floor. I was furious. Truthfully I wanted to throw the book. My heart ached for Sparrow and I envied the way she stuck to her guns. Even though her heart wanted Ian, she was strong and held him at arm's length.

 

Second chances is the theme of this story. While I loved some parts, others pissed me off. Cheating is never a turn on. When the book boyfriend commits this crime.... I have a hard time finishing the book. Sparrow is gutted and when she gives in, I am at a loss for words.

 

This book to me was not romantic... It was an agonizing roller coaster ride of emotions.

 

The writing was great. The concept was okay.

I recommend this book to readers who don't mind the book boyfriend cheating.

Lick by Kylie Scott Review

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.
Evelyn Thomas's plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man in her room, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is certain, being married to one of the hottest rock stars on the planet is sure to be a wild ride.

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/1qLTRY4

My Thoughts:
4.5/5 Stars

I loved every bit of this book. It was fun, sexy, emotional, and romantic.

 

It is every girl's fantasy to wake up with a huge rock on your left ring finger and a rock star in your bed. This book is about just that...

Evelyn has a wild 21st birthday that leads her to Rock Legend David Ferris.

When she wakes up married to him she can't remember a single thing from the night before. She wants it all to go away and heads home where she is greeted by paparazzi and fans. When it all becomes too much she decides to take up David's offer to live with him for a bit.

They try to figure out the annulment papers, but begin to fall for one another.

 

This book was a page turner! I'm not much for Rock Star romances, but this one balanced both worlds perfectly. The built up romance was great and the little details added life to the story.

 

I highly recommend this book!

Connected by Kim Karr Review

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

 

 AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/PSaH73

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, sexy read with lots of emotion.

 

Dahlia met River when she was with her long term boyfriend/fiancé and couldn't forget about him. When tragedy strikes she goes into depression and it is River who pulls her from it. He opens her eyes to love and helps her live again.

 

This book had a lot of angst which I loved! There was a hint of mystery and UGH! That cliffhanger at the end did me in. I needed book 2 immediately.

 

I highly recommend this book. River is SEXY and the romance is hot <3

Relentless by Cassia Leo Review

Book One in the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling series.

Would you bet your deepest secrets for a second-chance at love?





Claire Nixon is a college student with a past full of secrets and heartbreak.

 At seven years old, the death of her mother by drug overdose destroys her faith in humanity and herself as she is tossed from one foster home to another. Feeling unwanted and disposable, she fights to keep herself safe in the system. Until, at the age of fifteen, she is saved by her first love, and soon-to-be rock star, Chris Knight and his mother, who quickly becomes the mother she always wanted. 



When Claire encourages Chris to leave town to pursue his dreams of musical stardom, both Claire and Chris don't realize this will be the biggest mistake of their lives.



One year after Chris leaves on tour, Claire has carved out a new life for herself in a new city far away from the life she left behind with Chris. On a fateful morning, she meets sexy surfer Adam Parker. 

To Claire, Adam is just another flirty customer at the cafe, until a chance encounter and seemingly innocent comment spurs a bet between them. The bet is simple: If Adam can get Claire to reveal the secret that made her drop out of college and leave her life behind, she has to re-enroll. If he doesn't succeed, she gets to keep her secret and he has to stop stalking her at the cafe.



Claire thinks she has this one in the bag. She's perfected the art of forgetting her past. But she isn't prepared for Adam's relentless pursuit or for him to share his own secrets. And she's definitely not prepared for the love of her life, Chris Knight, and her secret, to come banging down her door one year later.

New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language, drug use, and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

 

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

My Thoughts:
4/5 Stars

 

This was a book full of heart and passion.

 

Claire and Adam meet at the beginning of the book and there is an instant connection. They pursue an angsty relationship and Adam is destined to find out why she dropped out of school. As their feelings grow, secrets become unveiled and parts of the past resurface.

 

I loved Adam. He was cocky, caring, sexy, witty, and everything a book boyfriend should be. Claire was beautiful, emotionally damaged, and kind hearted. Together their romance pulled me in and wouldn't let me go.

 

The depth of this book is exquisite. I love a book that can tug on your heart strings and have you trying to guess what will happen next... This one did just that!

 

The jokes were a cute touch and the banter between the two left me smiling.

 

My only complaint would be the first few chapters were slow, once I got to chapter 4 I was hooked.

When I finished the book I wanted book 2 immediately. I highly recommend it!

Review/Interview with Mercy Amare

 

This book is Fabulous 

and even better.... It is on SALE

Only .99 June 2nd-6th

  Blurb:

I'm Scarlett Ryan.

Yes, THAT Scarlett Ryan.

I live an extraordinary life: millionaire rock star, owner of exotic cars, pictures of me in every magazine, millions of fans, and a name that is recognized world wide. It's supposed to be my dream come true. But, my life IS a fantasy, and I want real. I want exciting. I want... NORMAL. So, I moved from California to Florida, hoping to obtain some normalcy. Instead I find...

Stephan Montgomery.

He's an arrogant jerk. Seriously, I hate him. I swear if he tells me one more blonde joke, I will punch him... again... Unfortunately I can't stop thinking about him, or his gorgeous green eyes. Trust me, I know that he's bad for me. If only my heart would listen.

I also find out that my parents have kept a LIFE CHANGING secret from me. I need to know the truth.

The harder I strive for normal, the stranger things seem to get.


Jaded is book 1 of the Rock Star trilogy.
 

Buy Links <3

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Jaded-Rock-Star-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CEMC5Y6/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1368736881&sr=8-3

 

BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jaded-mercy-amare/1115145878?ean=2940016404066

My Review: 5 out 5

This book has love and laughter.... What more could you ask for?

Jaded is a book about a young female rockstar named Scarlett. She decides to take a break from her crazy life and moves to FL to attend High School. Her first day she meets a gorgeous set of brothers and starts to fall head over heels for bad boy Stephan. Through this book Scarlett deals with first time love, trying to get along with the girls at school, discovering a family secret, and trying to find her missing sister. I will say though, the ending is a killer! You will be craving book 2!

I felt the Author did a great job writing a unique storyline with just the right amount of details. There were twists in the book that kept you guessing and the characters were very relatable. I would recommend this book to all readers!!

Be Sure to Check Out Book 2 in the Series!!
Available June 6th

Blurb:I left Hope – the only place I’ve ever felt at home. So now what? Where do I go from here?

When I left, I didn’t just leave my home. I left my friends, my sisters, and Stephan… I just found them. I can’t lose them now.

I know that I want to do MY music. I need to remember WHY I wanted to play music in the first place. And the only way to get that is by firing my dad, but that may be harder than I thought.

On top of everything, I now have cameras following me around everywhere. Even my own home isn’t safe anymore.

I’ve come to realize that normal will never be an option for me.

Buy on Amazon (Avail. Jun 6th)

Interview with the Author:

I want to thank Mercy for doing an Interview

with Readers Candy!!

Here were the Questions...

 

What inspired you to write the Rockstar Trilogy?

The story just literally came to me. I "actually" plotted the first book, which wasn't normal for me. Of course it turned out different than I thought… I'm a musician. I play the guitar, bass, & drums. I know how crazy a career as a musician is. I LOVE writing about musicians :)

 

If you had to choose just one song to be the soundtrack for Faded... What would it be?

Definitely Gold Trans Am by Ke$ha. I listened to that song on repeat a LOT.

Do you ever write about personal experiences?

Yes, and the experiences of those around me. (Like the roommate in You Got Me was inspired by my best friend's college roommate this last semester).

What is the thing you find toughest about being an Author?

Time management. I am usually up until 3 am every morning. It's a hard balance… Setting time to write, promoting, talking with fans… And still trying to find time for yourself. When I published my first book I was working 40 hours a week on top of all this...

:What is your favorite book of all time and Why?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one. It's a tie. Between Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, & Divergent. Both books are… AMAZING. The worlds that JK Rowling and Veronica Roth wrote are so creative. It takes a lot of imagination to do that. And both books are so emotional for me. I feel so connected to the characters.

Who is your favorite Author, currently?

Oh gosh… I'm going to go with Cassandra Clare. I just started the Immortal Instruments Series, and I LOVE IT. My favorite author changes often, but she is amazing.

If you had to describe yourself with one word... What would it be and why?

 Weird.

Yes, I'm serious, lol.

I've just never really fit in. I've always been a crazy outsider, and I'm ok with that. My friends in high school always told me I was "a good weird"… I guess it's a good thing.

About the Author

I am a YA/ NA author of the books: Don’t Tell, You Got Me, and the Rock Star Trilogy: Jaded, Faded, and Hated. I have a slight addiction to the TV series Pretty Little Liars and The Vampire Diaries. I'm 23 years old, and I currently live in St Louis, with my husband of 2 years.

 Be sure to check out her pages!!

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