Articles

Book Review: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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ABOUT ONE TRUE LOVES:
In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.
On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever. Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.
That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.
Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly? Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying. 

 

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408067962_hrABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. She is the author of Forever, Interrupted, After I Do and Maybe In Another Life. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and her dog, Rabbit. You can follow her on Twitter @TJenkinsReid.

 


FIND TAYLOR ONLINE:
Website   |    Facebook   |   Twitter   |   Instagram  

Book Review 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Once upon a time I hated romance novels. I hate love triangles, drama and most of all the mushy often cliché writing. I can’t stand to sit and read about flawless, imperfect people and people who don’t struggle or grow. In any novel these are things I still look for. Obviously, you all can tell my opinion of romance novels has changed. I do still have moments where I find a book too cheesy for my liking, but as I’ve grown older, my appreciation for the art of romance/adult fiction has evolved and I do love a good romance novel. Although I wouldn’t classify Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing as simply romance, I’d say it could be categorized as contemporary adult/women’s fiction with romantic elements — with a lesson or two thrown into the mix. Definitely more along the lines of what I love to read. 
I discovered Taylor Jenkins Reid after reading Maybe in Another Life. I fell in love with her writing style and knew I had found a new author to follow. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on One True Loves. Her writing with Maybe in Another Life was quite profound and evoked pensive thoughts. I found this also to be true while reading One True Loves.  I’ve found her books have strong heroines that are faced with tough decisions, but they grow a great deal throughout the course of her novels. The lessons they learn and the experiences they endure are often difficult, but meaningful. Her writing generally has important life lessons that people neglect to really sit and ponder, but while reading you seem to find yourself thinking like you’ve never thought before. It’s actually one of the things I love most about her books. 
One True Loves is the type of book that will gut you and leave you an emotional wreck. The writing is beautiful, the emotions palpable leaving you with no choice but to keep reading, to keep devouring all that Taylor Jenkins Reid has to offer. This was an incredible read. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I sighed. Emma experienced an unimaginable tragedy, one that left her unsure of how she’d continue on each day, but somehow she managed, somehow she dug herself out and started to rebuild. Life seemed better, it didn’t seem as painful, as hard to continue moving forward, that is until Jesse resurfaces only complicating and confusing her about what she thought she wanted and who she thought she was. 
I read One True Loves in one sitting The author does an incredible job building the story up and she will keep you guessing. I felt as though I experienced all the pain and loss that each of these characters were faced with. I empathized with each of them and even I had a difficult time figuring out who Emma would ultimately end up with. The funny thing is you will fall in love with all of them, so much so that the who matters less in the end than the journey that led them there. Her characters are perfectly flawed, they are complex, well developed, genuine and lovable. Just a fair warning, you may need a tissue or two while reading, this one will definitely gut you, but the angst is completely worth it. And as always with a Reid book, you may also learn a thing or two about yourself. Raw, poignant and completely heartfelt, One True Loves is an definite 5 star must read perfect for contemporary romance readers and the quintessential summer read. 

 

~ Happy Reading Lovelies ~

 


ONE TRUE LOVES by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atria/Washington Square Press Paperback | ISBN: 9781476776903 | On sale: June 7, 2016 | 352 pages | $16.00

eBook: Atria/Washington Square Press | ISBN: 9781476776910 | On sale: June 7, 2016 | 352 pages | $11.99

 

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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

2 COMPLETE SETS OF SIGNED TJR BOOKS
5 SIGNED COPIES OF ONE TRUE LOVES 

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New Release: THE BLACK WOLF (In the Company of Killers, # 5) by J.A. Redmerski

The Black Wolf Cover

Adult Crime/Suspense/Mystery

Releasing July 1, 2015

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Since devastating secrets were uncovered by Nora Kessler, Niklas Fleischer and Victor Faust have been divided as business partners and brothers. But ultimately Niklas is persuaded to lead a mission to Italy, and he sees it as an opportunity to set in motion forgiveness—or retribution—for his brother’s betrayal.
The mission: play the role of a wealthy German investor and kidnap a beautiful, notorious madam named Francesca Moretti. No stranger to these types of roles, Niklas is the best man for the job, but this time the risks will be much greater as he will not be doing it alone. Izabel Seyfried, still fresh out of a life of imprisonment and sex slavery, could be negatively affected by the things she will see in Moretti’s mansion, and Niklas must keep her in line so she does not blow their cover and get them killed.
But Niklas isn’t the only one who must play a role—Nora takes on the humiliating task of playing Niklas’s slave, and Izabel must play the role of his lover.
On one hand, Niklas couldn’t be enjoying himself more. On the other hand, the emotions that continue to rage inside of him may be too much for him to control, and it may be Niklas—not Izabel—who needs to be kept in line. He cannot forget what Victor has done, and this mission may just be the beginning of his downward spiral.
Can the blood bond that Niklas and Victor share as brothers be stronger than resentment? Or will vengeance dig the blade so deep that their bond be eternally severed?

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Previous titles in the The Company of Killers:
KILLING SARAI (Book #1)
REVIVING IZABEL (Book #2)
THE SWAN AND THE JACKAL (Book #3)
SEEDS OF INIQUITY (Book #4)


 

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About the Author
J.A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Website    |   Facebook   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads

 

 
 

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K.A. Tucker’s Secret Announcement

Fans of K.A. Tucker’s Ten Tiny Breaths, we have a SUPER exciting announcement:
On September 1, 2014, Atria is releasing a PREQUEL NOVELLA to Ten Tiny Breaths that tells the story from Trent’s point of view! It’s called IN HER WAKE, and we cannot wait one more breath to read it! 

In Her Wake 

About IN HER WAKE:
Cole Reynolds had it all. And then one night he makes a bad choice… and loses everything.

When a drunken night out at a Michigan State college party results in the death of six people, Cole must come to terms with his part in the tragedy. Normally, he’d be able to lean on his best friends. The best friends that have been in his life since he could barely walk. Only, they’re gone. Worse, there’s the shattered body of a sixteen-year-old girl lying somewhere in a hospital bed, her entire life ripped from her because of a case of beer and a set of keys.
Everyone assures him that they know it wasn’t intentional and yet he can’t ignore the weight of their gazes, the whispers behind his back. The all-consuming guilt he feels every time he thinks of that girl who won’t so much as allow him near her hospital room to apologize. As the months go by and the shame and loneliness festers, Cole begins to lose his grip of what once was important-college, his girlfriend, his future. His life. It’s not until Cole hits rock-bottom that he can begin to see another way out of his personal hell: forgiveness.
And there’s only one person who can give that to him…
Are you as excited about this as we are??

And…this is going to be available at the great price of $.99!! 

Pre-order NOW

Amazon  |  iBooks  |  Simon & Schuster  |  Barnes & Noble

 

Four Secondsto Lose

And while you’re at it, pre-order the gorgeous paperback of FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE, hitting bookstores on 4/1!
Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Indiebound * BooksaMillion * Simon & Schuster

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About FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE:
Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.
Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting anddancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.
Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

 

Author PhotoABOUT K.A. TUCKER:
Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

BLOG  |  WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  GOODREADS  |  ATRIA

 

Reborn (The Guardian Trilogy #3) Cover Reveal!!!

A Note from the Author: 
Happy Holidays Readers!  This year has been crazy-good in ways I’ve never imagined, mostly thanks to all of you, your support, and your love for James, Emma, and Dane.  I can’t wait to share this chapter of their story with you (and neither can they!); February 1st can’t get here
fast enough!
 
As a special gift to you, here’s an early look at the cover and synopsis of Reborn.  I hope you love it just as much as I do; Emma finally has a face, and she’s perfect.  Of course, I’ll be sharing more of Reborn in January; keep your eyes open for teasers and giveaways 😉  Until then, here’s wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
Yours, Sara Mack

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Synopsis

You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

When Emma Donohue wakes to find her world turned upside down, she wants nothing more than to return to the life she knew.  To a life filled with a loving family, close friends, and college classes.  To a normal life that didn’t involve the supernatural, odd bracelets, or three strangers who refuse to leave her side.

Unsure of what truly happened during The Allegiant’s attack, Emma tries to reconcile her past with her growing feelings for James, Garrett, and Dane.  They remain steadfast in her protection, awaiting the arrival of the only people who hold the answers.

The Larvatus. 

When Madeline and Ash appear, the revelations they bring not only rock Emma’s world, but everyone she touches.  Her mind is twisted, caught up in new abilities and new desires.  Her old self forgotten, she has never been more scared.  She has never been more confused.

She has never been more empowered. 

You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

 But, sometimes, the absence leaves space for something better. 

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 Reborn is slated for release February 1, 2014  

 

Profile PicAbout the Author 

Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.  

 

Website  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Facebook

Wild Chase (Vengeful Honor #1) Blog Tour & Review

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Synopsis
Music is a Moral Law, It Give Soul to the Universe” – Plato
 
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how long you know a person. The effect they can have on you can happen after four seconds or four years.
 
In Chase Taylor’s case – it’s both.
 
Avery McGuire doesn’t just flip on a light inside of her – he set a blaze to everything holding her back. After only a week together he has to leave, but he strikes a match before walking away that won’t easily burn out.
 
Four years later, Chase finds herself face to face with the boy – now rock star – who changed everything. The same one she still can’t admit to falling head over heels in love with. She has no idea that her world is about to get rocked, in more ways than one.

 

 

Review

Holy shit what did I just read??? This book is…wow….I’m…wow.This book is insane and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a couple of hours and I’m still sitting here writing this review with my jaw dropped. I’m going to focus on the positive because I do believe there are things people will love and things they might be upset or dislike about the turns this story takes, BUT I’m sure readers will still see this for what it is, an absolutely AMAZING book! I do believe it is the authors debut novel which is mind blowing because this book is…yeah I know I said it already, but this book is insane! That’s probably the best way I can describe its intensity. It’s an incredible story. I went through a roller coaster ride of emotions reading this. I was swooning, heartbroken, displeased, happy, sad jeez u name it I felt it! Ooooh and guess what? It has some of my favorite things…Rockstars, Piercings and Tattoos! *sigh* yeah, I’m totally drooling!

Where do I begin? Chase is a girl who has been raised by two deeply religious parents. She isn’t allowed to do much of anything, but she’s got an incredible gift. She sings like an angel and while she believes she’ll never be anything more than a missionary after graduation, her best friend Victoria pushes her to sing in public. One night she gets an incredible opportunity and knowing she may never have a chance like this again she seizes the opportunity. That night she meets Avery and her world is forever changed. He’s wild, intense and sexy as hell! He’s in a band and they are drawn together like magnets from the start. They can’t get enough of each other and hearing each other sing seems to be their undoing. They fall hard and fast and while the pace of their courtship is pretty quick, it’s pretty intense and not wholly unbelievable. The thing is what brings them together is something I could totally buy would make someone fall…music. Their mutual interest and love of all things music bonds these two in such a beautiful way. Circumstances draw them apart, but neither will ever be the same. It’s heartbreaking, but the impression they leave on one another is one that will last a lifetime.

Listen, I seriously don’t want to give away too much so I’m just going to say this book is a must read. There are some fucked up moments, some heartbreaking moments and people will be hurt. The book isn’t a cheesy romance, it’s raw and gritty and makes you think what would you do if you landed in a similar situation? It’s drama filled, you’ll be angry, sad, happy and swoon for more than one man…yeah I did mention the rock stars before, right? Yum, so hot…sigh…

Anyway, if you’re a Rockstar romance fan, a new adult fan, an of romance with a touch of drama…yeah, you’ll seriously love this read! It will take you on one hell of a ride with both Chase, Avery and a few characters in between. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the follow up! I know that will be one hell of a story to tell!

Check it out…seriously, go now
Happy Reading

Buy Wild Chase (Vengeful Honor #1): 

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About the Author
 
 
L.A. Bressett is a simple, city-country girl that love chocolate chip cookies, Erik Northman, and laughing until her stomach hurts. Her love for books began in diapers and has only grown over the years. She spends her days listening to music, watching her two kiddos grow up way to fast, and watching an obscene amount of TV with her main man. You can catch her on Facebook, avoiding her household chores, anytime.
 
Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

Like the promo graphics found throughout the post?! Graphics for the tour were done by We Art Books!!
To follow the tour daily, see daily tour schedule posted by Three Girls and a Book Obsession!

 

Book Trailer:

Wild Chase – Book Trailer from Christine on Vimeo.

 

Giveaway
 

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Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Blog Tour

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Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Synopsis

Last summer, Emma discovered that true love never dies.
It can return.
It can give you hope.
It can pull you from darkness.

Until it’s ripped from you.
Again.

As her 22nd birthday approaches, Emma Donohue finds herself back at school and utterly alone. Hours away from family and friends, her solitary days are spent contemplating what never should have been. James should never have died, but he did. He should never have been assigned as her Guardian, but he was. And she should never have allowed Dane to get too close to her heart.

But she failed.

Desperate to fill her time, Emma is intrigued by her mysterious new neighbor, Garrett. She’s never met anyone quite like him before, and, curious, she attempts to discover his past. Little does she know his presence will pull her into a world she could never imagine. A world that follows an ancient doctrine. A world built on loyalty, yet plagued by secrets and lies.

A world that will threaten everything – and everyone – she loves.

Allegiant is the second story in The Guardian Trilogy.
The third novel, Reborn, is complete and due to be published in February 2014. 

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My Review

Well, I can’t say that I am surprised…Sara Mack is lucky I live in New York, otherwise I would’ve resorted to kicking and screaming for a copy of Reborn…full on tantrum! That’s right Sara…how could you do this to me again? How? LOL.

To say this book is amazing is an understatement. Sara Mack continues to draw the reader into this complex world of love, loyalty and confusion. The characters all experience their own trauma at one point or another but they are all conflicted and all connected in some way. I had a few jaw dropping moments and I must say this is a cleverly crafted book. I could not believe the connections, the decisions made and the turn this book takes! The ending will leave you in a state of shock, but definitely craving more.

I love, love, love this book and I cannot wait for the final installment. I already know it is bound to be great. This is a fantastic follow-up to Guardian. The author has managed to…painfullyleave me hangingagain….I will reiterate my earlier sentiments from my review of Guardian that Sara Mack is indeed evil…yeah I said it…again 😛

All jokes aside this is a phenomenal book. I seriously recommend this trilogy to any Paranormal Romance lover…it is one of the best paranormal series I’ve read to date. You will be kept in suspense. The concept is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. The characters are faced with some incredible obstacles and tough decisions. Emma has one hell of a choice to make and although the book ends in a way that leaves me wondering if this can possibly go in a different direction later, I absolutely have no clue. I am astonished that Sara Mack might actually surprise me. It isn’t often that an author can do that to me so I must give credit where it’s due. I love that I am so unsure of what the final outcome will be and shocked at what has already come to pass. 

What a story and boy do I love these characters…each and every one of them have managed to weasel their way into my heart and I am still torn between the love interests. This is a series that I can tell I have NO idea which way it will go and I can’t say I’d be angry with either outcome as all of these characters have been through hell and back. I just don’t know.

And now for some shouty capitals to express myself with a little oomph….THAT ENDING!!!! Brace yourselves!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE GUARDIAN AND I’LL BE BOLD AND SAY I CANNOT WAIT TO READ REBORN!!!!!!! Sara…you’re still evil!

I didn’t want to give away too much from this book just know there will be plenty of James AND Dane in this book and a whole host of new wonderful characters (and some not so wonderful)!!! This is a series you truly have to experience to understand how great it is. 

*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Buy It Now:

 

 

Profile PicAbout the Author

Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.

Connect with Sara:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Blog  

 

 

A Missing Peace Blog Tour, Review/Favorite Quotes & Giveaway

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Synopsis 

A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo…
Angry, seventeen-year-old Iraqi war refugee Mirriam Yohanna hates her new life in Killeen, Texas, where the main attraction is a military base, populated with spoiled army brats like Caleb Miller.
Caleb has much to be angry about too, including Mirriam who turns him down flat in front of everyone. Eager for retribution, Caleb agrees to a dare that will see him take Mirriam to the prom and regain his pride.
But their relationship soon moves beyond high school antics. Mirriam and Caleb are bound together by more than location, and as they are forced to work closely together on a school assignment, they start to uncover an explosive story that has the potential to ruin lives — and both of their futures. One single truth changes everything and strengthens their bond.
When Mirriam’s family discovers their relationship, they decide it’s time to arrange her marriage to a proper Iraqi man. Caleb must convince Mirriam that he is in it for forever — or risk losing her for good. 

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Review
This was one of the best books I’ve read all summer in fact I think it may be one of the best books I’ve read this year. This book is considered Young Adult but I feel it caters to anyone who is politically minded, interested in current events or someone who generally enjoys a forbidden romance. I highly recommend this book to all readers. 


The truest statement I’ve ever read in a synopsis –
“A turbulent, emotionally charged YA novel that breaks down barriers and challenges the status quo…”
That description absolutely nails this book!
Let’s start with my own summary
Mirriam Yohanna an Iraqi refugee comes to Killeen, TX – a military town. Mirriam harbors more baggage than the average American teenager. She intends to keep to herself until graduation when she can leave this town behind and all the small-minded people who live in it. That is her plan, until she meets Caleb Miller. Caleb is an All-American teenage dream. He’s a football player and everyone loves him. He’s also an army brat…in Mirriam’s opinion. They have a few run-ins that first day of school, but it isn’t until Caleb’s buddies set a bet, one that Caleb willingly agrees to take on. His goal is to get her to go to prom with him but only to recover from her blowing him off in front of his friends.
Lucky for him Mirriam walks into his Government class. He volunteers to partner up with Mirriam in order to get closer to her. The class begins and Mirriam silently listens on as her teacher speaks of Iraq in a manner that Mirriam disagrees with. She can’t stand the propaganda and speaks up causing an all out debate to ensue, leaving both Mirriam and Caleb arguing over who is right and who is wrong concerning the war. Caleb admits he lost his dad in Iraq and Mirriam tells the story of her father dying at the hands of an American solider. Each carry the weight of losing a beloved parent neither knowing just how much they have in common.
Why did I love this book? 
The short, easy answer is: it’s a great book. It was well written with an excellent storyline and two lovable protagonists! The political aspect intrigued me and it basically challenged the way many people think about politics, government and war. I loved that! I am a junkie when it comes to politics and government so that aspect of the story stuck with me the most. The book is romantic but it covers a wide range of serious topics, the story just fell together beautifully for me. 
Beth Fred really creates a powerful tale of two young people who are on a quest for truth and justice! Ha! That sounds like I’m discussing a comic book hero but in all seriousness this book evoked a strong sense of the human spirit overall. The ability for us to look past our differences, to coexist, even love. I felt that I personally could relate to this story so I think that also played a huge part of why I loved it so much.
I wouldn’t mind a sequel…K, thanks Beth haha 😉
Favorite Quotes  
I tried to choose a few of my favorite quotes that wouldn’t give too much of the storyline away. I feel this is a book everyone needs to read and interpret in their own way and I felt it was important to keep certain aspects of this review spoiler free.

“We’re there to keep terrorists from doing things like that.”
A single tear rolled down my face. In spite of this, I let out a laugh. “Except, he was shot by an American soldier.” Caleb’s mouth gaped. He rocked back in his chair and didn’t say anything else.”

 

“Sure, friends,” I said, “but it’s probably a good idea to do something that doesn’t require us to talk much.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Caleb, I call what the U.S. did to us an ‘invasion’. You call it ‘aid’, and I don’t think either one of us are changing our minds anytime soon.” 
He nodded, both defiant and sympathetic in a single motion.” 

 

“Won’t happen.”
“Try me.” 
Instead of looking for a reply, I took a huge chance. The kind of risk you could easily regret. I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. It didn’t take long to force her lips open. She clasped one hand around each of my arms and squeezed tightly. She was kissing back. It was perfect.”

 

“She stepped out the door then turned back, grabbed my face and kissed me with an urgency she hadn’t before. 
I held onto her and pressed her body to mine until I realized she had no plans of breaking this. When her body started to curl around mine, I pulled away. “It’s going to be okay. I promise, M. I meant what I said. I won’t let anyone take you from me.” 

I could go on and on but I seriously want you all to go out and get this book. It’s worth the read!
Purchase A Missing Peace for Kindle  |  Nook  |  Paperback

 

Giveaway
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bethfred

About the Author
Meet Beth Fred! A full time ELF keeper and part time writer/blogger/writing instructor. Beth likes her tea hot, her romance sweet, and her guys chivalrous. Real men hold open doors, refer to you as ma’am, make promises they keep, and aren’t afraid to profess their undying love. It’s not breakfast if there aren’t carbs (at least, not in the South). Fajitas, carnitas, and churros are just a few of Beth’s favorite things. Bet you can’t guess where she’s from.   

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Finding Bliss Book Review

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*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Synopsis

“Chloe Carlyle has always longed for the perfect family.

Growing up with an alcoholic single mother, she has seen her share of heartbreak and disappointment, and is striving to build a new legacy for herself. After graduating from college, she takes a job working as a summer girl for the Reeds––a wealthy, accomplished family that personifies her American dream. Her summer takes an unexpected turn when the Reeds’ eldest son Tyler, the star quarterback for Notre Dame, shows up and turns her life upside down.

An ambitious young woman with a wry sense of humor, Chloe never imagined herself as the type to succumb to the looks and charms of the hometown hero, but she falls hard for Tyler, and is devastated when they part ways at the end of the summer. As she heads off to law school, Chloe tries to convince herself this was just a fling, but she can’t quite get over him. It’s not until Tyler contacts her out of the blue late one winter night that everything changes.

After doing everything in her power to build the perfect life, Chloe soon learns that there are things beyond her control. She must draw on inner reserves of strength as her life takes unpredictable—and sometimes heartbreaking—twists and turns, and she finds herself faced with decisions she never thought she’d have to make. Poignant, heartfelt, and emotional, Finding Bliss is a reminder that you don’t have to live a fairytale life in order to have a happy ending”

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For those who are unfamiliar with Dina Silver’s One Pink Line…I highly recommend you read it as well. It is a superbly written book. Finding Bliss is a spin-off of One Pink Line, but you do NOT need to read one in order to read the other. However, I think you’d be doing yourself a great disservice by not reading both. They are both beautiful stories in their own right. You can read my very brief but straightforward review about One Pink Line here.

So, my thoughts on Finding Bliss

First thoughts were…this is good, this is really good. But, then my heart broke and then it healed again, then I was angry, then I was sad and then I was happy again…This is definitely an emotionally charged book.

What I really like about Dina Silver’s writing is that it is extremely realistic. Her stories aren’t sugar coated, people struggle, suffer and fight, they’re faced with hard decisions and sometimes things don’t work out. She focuses on real issues that everyone can relate to and dives in with all her might. There is a rawness to her writing that is so real. The characters are lovable, revered, moving and sometimes sickening. This particular book explores alcoholism and mental illness as well as a whole slew of other topics I’d rather not divulge to avoid spoiling it for you! I will say, this book is incredible! The protagonist, Chloe takes on a huge responsibility at an early age, and that specific characteristic stays with her throughout the book. She remains responsible, dependable but utterly naive at times. Her character develops well throughout the book and she, in my opinion, becomes an amazing and inspirational woman. The hurdles she faces and overcomes make you appreciate all you have and all you strive to be in a world filled with many unforeseeable obstacles. Not many people would endure and persevere the way Chloe did. I have a lot of thoughts on the other characters namely Tyler and Cam but I feel this may give away too much and this book is worth the read.

If you are looking for a deeply poignant story that shows you it isn’t impossible to stand up again after repeatedly falling, a story that shows not every happy ending is in fact YOUR happy ending, and that no matter what obstacles you face there is always a way to overcome them, then this book is definitely for you. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Finding Bliss is slated for release July 16, 2013.

Pre-order your copy for Kindle or Pre-order your copy in Paperback

Wicked Wednesday

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Today’s pick is The Opportunist. I’ve had this book on my To-Read shelf for months and I finally read it this morning. Let me just say WOW. It is the first book in the Love Me With Lies series by Tarryn Fisher. The minute I started reading this book it pulled me in and captured my attention from start to finish. I held on to every single word.

Olivia, Olivia, Olivia jeez sometimes I wanted to scream at her  for all her hare-brained ideas and other times I didn’t know whether I felt sorry for her or if I actually understood her desperation. I loved how the author switched between past and present day. It allowed you to take the journey with Caleb and Olivia in a way that made you fall in love with them. And Caleb….dear sweet Caleb, oh how I love him!

The book starts in present day. Caleb and Olivia are not speaking for some unknown reason at this point…

Caleb apparently has amnesia from an accident and doesn’t remember Olivia. She takes advantage of this opportunity to find a way back into his life…as short lived as it may be, she wants in. Guilty as she feels she can’t give him up…not again.

I really hate giving things away it’s always difficult for me to write a review without feeling like something I say will spoil it for the reader. So I will just say this…

The Opportunist is a must read! The ending! OMG!  Go read this…NOW!

I am still going through a lot emotionally after reading this so I will post a more in depth review…which will likely have spoilers at a later time…here’s the goodreads synopsis:

“Olivia Kaspen has just discovered that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Drake, has lost his memory. With an already lousy reputation for taking advantage of situations, Olivia must decide how far she is willing to go to get Caleb back. Wrestling to keep her true identity and their sordid past under wraps, Olivia’s greatest obstacle is Caleb’s wicked, new girlfriend; Leah Smith. It is a race to the finish as these two vipers engage in a vicious tug of war to possess a man who no longer remembers them. But, soon enough Olivia must face the consequences of her lies, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption.”

Buy The Opportunist

More about the author:

http://www.tarrynfisher.com
https://twitter.com/Tarryn__Fisher
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5410816.Tarryn_Fisher
https://www.facebook.com/tarryn.fisher.reynolds

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