Articles

Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

  it-ends-with-us-9781501110368_hr 

 

IT ENDS WITH US

BY COLLEEN HOOVER

 

“Colleen Hoover reminds readers that love is a fragile thing, built from courage, hope, and tears. Every person with a heartbeat should read this book.”
– Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author

 

Visit www.ItEndsWithUsBook.com for teasers, tour dates and more.

ABOUT IT ENDS WITH US:
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. 
With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all-too-human characters, It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

 

62435-addtogoodreads

 


11109_408567071_hr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of SlammedThis GirlPoint of RetreatHopelessLosing HopeFinding CinderellaMaybe SomedayUgly LoveMaybe Not, and Confess. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Please visit ColleenHoover.com

 

 

FIND COLLEEN 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.*

Wow. I feel like I preface every Colleen Hoover review with that simple word yet it’s generally the best way I can describe how I feel immediately following my “CoHoma” (aka the Colleen Hoover induced haze/shock that immediately follows reading one of her books). This was super complex and deeply personal. I cried a lot of ugly tears…mostly toward the latter part of the book, but definitely not surprising because her books always get to me somehow. I don’t know this woman, I’ve never met her, I know her the way most readers do, through her words and let me tell you if you follow anything about her, you’ll know just how kind and generous she seems. Reading this book made me feel as though I knew a deeper part of her and it may sound weird, but I saw some of the best in her through this one book. She manages to make you question everything you ever think you knew by simply making her characters so human. You fall in love with them, you take journeys with them, your heart is sometimes broken by their actions, but in the end you have a better understanding of not only them, but yourself. This is what It Ends With Us does to the reader, it allows you to not only engage in a wonderfully complex journey, but it also makes you do some soul searching.

 

I’ve followed her work since Slammed and have been an avid fan ever since, I go through the same process with every release…asking questions like, “is this my new Colleen favorite?” and then grunting or sighing because I know rating or ranking any of her work is pointless because everything she writes is golden. There has never been a bad Colleen Hoover book and I’m convinced there never will be. Her books are generally very poignant, thought provoking, usually witty and always ; her characters are perfectly flawed, they have depth and their stories generally shock you into a “CoHoma” (this is my new word and I’m sticking to it because her books are spellbinding). It Ends With Us is different in that it pushes limits, makes you question yourself and what decisions you would make if you were any of these characters. This isn’t very different from most of her books because she always shocks me, but her voice and the plot twists combined are completely unparalleled. This was a tough read in so many ways for me because it was so relatable. For many who pick this book up you might have been through something similar or chances are you know someone that has. You may have even judged, commented or witnessed something similar, regardless of the how, I’m betting that you will relate in some way. When you realize how easily black and white can turn to grey it is then that you will understand what it truly means to unravel the mystery that is a Colleen Hoover read. She finds a way to make even the most difficult situations real and creates a challenge for the reader by daring them to confront ugly truths or in this case naked truths.

 

Lily is an incredibly strong character that will both inspire and transform you. I’m afraid to say this was Colleen Hoover’s best work yet, but because of how personal it is I have to applaud her for sharing such a difficult yet brilliant story with her readers. There are a handful of books I’ve read with similar storylines and they’ve never gotten to me to this degree. I hate to be so vague, but this story is worth withholding the plot, the summary does not begin to explain what you will go through reading this, but it is worth every second. Although the end seems final and complete (and totally perfect) somehow I hope she somehow is inspired to continue this as a series or at least a novella. I hope you all will take a chance on this one it is probably on my top 5 best reads of all time and might be my favorite book published in 2016. This book is heavy at times, but if you pick up one book this year please please please let it be It Ends With Us. I promise you won’t regret it.

 

It Ends With Us releases Tuesday, August 2, 2016 (that’s right less than 24 hours) get your pre-orders in now and be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy!
~ Happy Reading Lovelies ~

 

image011

 

 

Grab your copy of IT ENDS WITH US:

 

Amazon   |   Barnes & Noble   |   B-A-M   |   iBooks   |   IndieBound   |   Kobo   |   GooglePlay   |   Nook

 

IT ENDS WITH US

BY COLLEEN HOOVER

http://www.itendswithusbook.com/

Atria Books Paperback | 384 pages | ISBN: 9781501110368 | August 2, 2016 | $16.00

eBook: 384 pages | ISBN: 9781501110375 | $7.99

 


Now for the fun….the #ItEndsWithUs Contest!

Enter the Rafflecopter  to win a signed copy of IT ENDS WITH US and a limited edition Everything’s Better in Boston magnet (trust us, you’ll get it after you read the book)! (3 prize bundles in total) Contest is open until August 26th

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Don’t miss Colleen on tour for IT ENDS WITH US

 

 

BOSTON, MA
Tuesday, August 2nd
BROOKLINE BOOKSMITH
7:00 PM
279 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
www.brooklinebooksmith.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1765869680321385/

 

MADISON, NJ
Wednesday, August 3rd
SHORT STORIES COMMUNITY BOOK HUB
7:00 PM
23 Main Street
Madison, NJ 07940
www.shortstoriesnj.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1816436548588340/

 

NEW YORK, NY
Thursday, August 4th
STRAND BOOK STORE
7:00 PM
828 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
www.strandbooks.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1266828406680888/

 

CINCINNATI, OH
Friday, August 5th
JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS
7:00 PM
2692 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45208
www.josephbeth.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/277088292641430/

 

CHICAGO, IL
Saturday, August 6th
ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP
2:00 PM
Meiley-Swallow Hall
On the campus of North
Central College 31 S Ellsworth Street
Naperville, IL  60540
http://www.andersonsbookshop.com/
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/260878437616737/

 

LOS ANGELES, CA
Sunday, August 7th
CHEVALIER’S BOOKS
6:30 PM
126 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
www.chevaliersbooks.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/260712770964176/

 

PHOENIX, AZ
Monday, August 8th
CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE
7:00 PM
6428 S. McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283
www.changinghands.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1188482081195713/

 

HOUSTON, TX
Tuesday, August 9th
BARNES & NOBLE – Town & Country
7:00 PM
12850 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77024
www.barnesandnoble.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1755063464713808/

 

DALLAS, TX
Wednesday, August 10th 
HALF PRICE BOOKS
7:00 PM
5803 E. Northwest Hwy
Dallas, TX 75231
www.halfpricebooks.com
RSVP and details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1714556692137769/

 


image004

 

Book Review: Nine Letters by Blake Austin

9 LETTERS LIVE

Meet Luke Crawley in Blake Austin’s debut novel of loss, redemption, and ever-enduring love!

 

NOW AVAILABLE!

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK   

 


9 letters cover

Blurb
Luke Cawley is a broken man. After his wife’s tragic death, he lost everything that mattered in the world. Now, his life is filled with hard days, harder nights, and a steady stream of alcohol and the wrong kind of women. Nothing helps.
Until the letters arrive on Luke’s doorstep.
Nine envelopes. Nine messages. Nine chances to find his way back.
Rae Goode is looking for the real thing. After fighting her way out of a string of bad relationships, she’s ready for something different–something true.
She meets Luke while piecing her life together, and right away she can tell that he’s different. Drawn together by fate and the desire to heal, Rae and Luke discover new ways to mend their broken hearts–one letter at a time.
Discover Blake Austin’s debut novel of loss, redemption, and ever-enduring love.

 

62435-addtogoodreads

 


Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

So, I’m just going to go ahead and say I generally live by the “don’t judge a book by its cover” rule, but every so often I get lured in by some fantastic cover. Come on, we’re all guilty of doing it at some point. In this case, I saw the cover, drooled a bit, and decided I absolutely needed to read this book before I even read the synopsis….what can I say?…cover dude is hot! I’m not actually sure the cover was a great match for the story, but it’s schmexy as all hell and definitely got my attention, so no complaints here. I wasn’t disappointed with this read, it’s engaging and heartbreaking at times, but there were a few things I felt could’ve been a bit more developed.

 

Luke Cawley has probably been living the worst year of his life. A year after the death of his wife, he’s still trying to cope with the loss. His guilt, shame and anger torment him, but when the letters arrive he starts to feel alive again and he begins to gain a semblance of hope that things will get better. What I loved most about 9 Letters was the rawness, the honesty and the grieving process that brings us on a journey with Luke. Sometimes an ugly, angry journey, sometimes a sad, heartbreaking one, but by the end you see how far this man comes and you will absolutely fall in love. 

 

Upon reading the synopsis I thought this might have been a dual POV read, but it is told solely in Luke’s POV — which I loved. I definitely would’ve like to get a bit more of Rae’s story, but as I continued reading I realized this was more about Luke finding his way and coming out stronger than he was in the first chapters. Rae has an important role in his coping and progress, but it is Luke that needs to find his way. I definitely loved his story and he is an admirable and loyal book boyfriend, not to mention the cover dude makes all thoughts of Luke Cawley schmexier 🙂

 

Seriously though, this book was a pleasant surprise from a new voice and I am excited to see what Blake Austin has in store for us next. 9 Letters gut punches you, but it connects you with Luke almost instantaneously. I read it in one sitting and it is probably the most honest fictional writing about the grieving process that I’ve ever read. You’ll love Luke. His story will leave you optimistic and reflective. As he begins to weave his way into the light you’ll hope that  he will find a way to reconnect with others — especially Rae. 9 Letters has elements of romance, but it also is a powerful story about love and loss and through these letters you see that even in death love is the most powerful voice of all. 

 

~ Happy Reading Lovelies ~ 

 9 LETTERS TEASER


Excerpt

I was about twenty minutes early for my shift, but I got up to the bar, grabbed a rag, started wiping it down, bussing some dishes.
“Damn, Luke,” Jake said, watching me work. “You win the lotto or something? Royals win the pennant last night and I forgot to watch?”
“I’m just in a good mood, that’s all,” I said.
I thought about it a moment longer, decided I should tell him more. Impart some wisdom learned from my not-particularly-advanced years.
“When everything’s dark for so damn long and your eyes get used to it,” I said, “just a little glimmer of sunshine lights up the whole world.”
He nodded, then grabbed a bus bin and headed back into the kitchen.
Warren though, Warren wasn’t impressed. He was sitting by one of the daytime barflies, but he’d stopped talking and was just watching me. I was on thin ice, and I knew it. I couldn’t afford to lose my job. A heartbroken, drunk, angry widower is probably as unemployable as the average ex-con.
I came on at the end of the day shift. Warren liked tending bar during the day, because it meant just shooting the shit with the regulars. That day I had a smile for every customer, sparse words of wisdom like day drunks want to hear. Tending bar wasn’t my dream. But to hell with letting that make me lazy. I kept the place clean, I poured drinks like I cared.
I was getting into the swing of it when happy hour kicked in and a few more people filtered through the door. Couple of middle-aged bikers, a retired couple that parked their RV out front.
The door swung open again, letting in a little bit of that early-evening cold, and I glanced up to see a crowd of three women, with two men. One of the women was a reddish blonde, radiant. Sort of stole the light out of the room. It was Rae. Our eyes met and her smile gave the room back its light.
She’d been in jeans at the shelter, but she was in a blue dress now and she looked damn fine in either. Took my mind right off Maggie, faster than I thought it would be possible. I met her eyes, and she gave out a little gasp and giggle. I was probably smiling in surprise myself.
The crowd came over to the bar. I’d thought the other four were two couples, but I realized pretty quick that the black girl with the afro was dating the quiet white guy in a beard and glasses and tattoos, and that the other guy was trying to impress Rae. He had a John Deere hat, but his clothes were way too clean for me to buy it that he worked on a farm. I hated him, right off. I probably would have hated him if he was the best guy in the world, though. The other girl, she was tall, latina, and for some indiscernible reason was interested in the poser farmer.
Most of the time, I’m awful at reading people. But for some reason, at work I can tell you everything about everyone who walks in the door. About who’s into who, about who had a bad day at work. Who wants to get drunk and miserable, who wants to get drunk and happy, who wants to get drunk and start trouble. Maybe it’s some magic of the job, maybe it’s just how people carry themselves at a bar. Helps with tips, that’s for certain. You wingman right, and the money flows in.
Warren, he likes to upsell them drinks when he’s doing that. Get them excited about the top shelf. Not me.
“Hey, Rae,” I said.
“Luke,” she said.
John Deere looked at me like I was the scum of the earth. And maybe I was, but if I was the scum then he was… I don’t know, something worse than scum. Wannabe scum.
She introduced me to her friends. Nicole had the afro, her boyfriend was Eric. The girl with bad taste was Irina, and John Deere had some name but honestly it went in one ear and out the other. He was John Deere to me. Yeah, maybe I’m an asshole.
“So, how do you know this guy?” Deere asked, tossing me a look that said I clearly wasn’t good enough to be friend with someone like Rae.
“Oh, he came in just the other day. Adopted the sweetest dog, a bloodhound.” She turned to me, flashing that dimple high on her cheek. “How is he? You guys call a truce yet?”
“King’s great,” I said. “I mean, he’s probably at home right now, eating everything I’ve ever owned, but I figure I was due for a purge anyway, right?”
It was a lame attempt at humor, but Rae laughed.
“What can I get you all? Friend of Rae’s is a friend of mine.”

9 LETTERS TEASER BT


blake austin bioAbout the Author
Blake Austin is a guitar playing father of one, who lives in Los Angeles. He’s written music for as long as he can remember and was inspired to add book writing to his repertoire. 9 Letters is his debut novel.
For updates: Follow Blake Austin on Facebook

 

 


GIVEAWAY

$20 Winner’s Choice Book Retailer Gift Card & Signed Paperback (1 Winner)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: After the Rain by Renée Carlino

after-the-rain-9781476763996_hr

 

From the USA Today bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional contemporary romance about second chances waiting beyond the shattered dreams of youth.  

 

62435-addtogoodreads

After the Rain tore me up in the best way possible. Sexy, sweet, and sad…Nate and Avelina’s story is one that goes straight to my list of all-time favorites.”
–A.L. Jackson, New York Times bestselling author 
In AFTER THE RAIN, eighteen-year-old Avelina Belo meets a charismatic cowboy the summer before her senior year of high school, not knowing that accepting his invitation to dinner will lead to a whirlwind marriage three months later and an exciting new life on a Montana ranch. She also doesn’t know that, in a few short years, fate will send everything crashing down around her.
A thousand miles away and fresh out of medical school, Nate Meyers is poised to become UCLA’s next superstar heart surgeon. His laser focus is the key to his success, but it’s also his greatest liability. When a routine surgery ends in disaster, derailing his career, he’s confronted with the hard truth: there’s no one waiting for him at home, no one to help him pick up the pieces.
Regrouping on his uncle’s Montana ranch, Nate meets Avelina, a beautiful, but mysterious young woman who keeps to herself and barely speaks a word. As he discovers the details of her devastating past, Avelina teaches him more about matters of the heart than he ever knew before. But can they trust each other enough to put everything on the line?
More information here

Book Review 

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

 “No matter how devastating the storm may be, after the rain you’ll always find new life sprouting in the aftermath.”
To be completely honest with you all, I was a blubbering mess less than 20% into reading this book. I don’t even know how that’s possible, but one thing I am certain of is that Renée Carlino has solidified her place on my list of favorite authors.
 
I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it in a matter of hours. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I repeat.  After the Rain is a tragic and beautiful story about love, loss and redemption.  It will take you on an emotional, often insightful journey. Renée Carlino writes beautifully. There is a depth to her characters that will leave you spellbound and utterly hopeful. She captures the voices of two shattered people who have lost their way and are trying to navigate the waters of life. Her delivery is absolutely flawless.
 
Avelina Belo has met unthinkable tragedies in her life. For someone so young her demons are heavy and have utterly dragged her into an abyss. She’s grown up quickly and the load she carries is heavy. She often punishes herself for actions that are beyond her control. Avelina’s life has become nothing, but a series of repeated tasks. She closes herself off to everyone, creating a lonely existence. It isn’t until Nate’s world collides with her own that she begins to see a life beyond the pain.
 
Nathaniel Meyer’s has had an easy and happy life for the most part. He’s followed in his father’s footsteps. After graduating medical school, he throws himself into his work focusing on becoming a great heart surgeon not realizing his confidence might be his greatest weakness. Nate’s desire to climb the ranks has left him lacking in areas that matter, like life experience, human contact and stopping to appreciate the world around him. After a disastrous day at work, Nate takes a much-needed break finding himself on the same ranch in Montana as Avelina. He’s curious about her and attempts to befriend her. Nate feels her turmoil almost instantaneously and aches to ease her pain, but how can he? She’s closed herself off to the world barely allowing anyone a glimpse into her life or her heart. Nate’s dealing with his own battles, but Avelina interests him and he doesn’t give up trying to break her from her shell.
 
These two can’t begin to imagine the impact they will have on one another. Hearts get involved; things get complicated, but is there any way each can mend their heart and find happiness in a world full of pain? After the Rain is an achingly beautiful story that is as unpredictable as it is gratifying. It will leave you guessing until the very last page. Avelina and Nate’s dual perspective gives this book a life of its own, one that you will step into, consume and cherish until the last page. I highly recommend this to all Contemporary Romance readers that like a deeply moving story with a dash of angst.
 
 

Renee CarlinoABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Renée Carlino lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog, June. When she’s not at the beach
with her boys or working on her next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.
To learn more, visit ReneeCarlino.com.
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads 

 

 


AFTER THE RAIN by Renee Carlino
Paperback | On sale: November 11, 2014 | ISBN: 9781476763996 | 304 pages | $15.00
eBook: | ISBN: 9781476764009 | $7.99

 

Order Now:

 

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Books-a-Million  |  IndieBound  |  Apple  |  Blio  |  Google

 

UK Links: 

 

Amazon  |  Waterstones  |  WHSmith  |  Foyles  |  Google  |  Kobo  |  Apple

 

AUS Links:

 

Bookworld  |  Booktopia  |  Apple  |  Amazon  |  Kobo  |  Google

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Special Event

BCA



We are hosting an event for Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October!

 
Here’s how it will work: We have an amazing book bundle to give away to one winner. 
 

To enter to win, a donation needs to be made to Susan G. Komen, HERE.  

*Donation amount doesn’t factor in your chances of winning. 

 

Authors donating to the bundle include:

 

Bethany Lopez
Audrey Bell
Jessica Park
Eden Fierce
Kristen Strassel
Marquita Valentine
Claire Contreras
Rachel Harris
Ophelia London
Cindi Madsen
Steph Campbell
Kimberly Rose
Dina Silver
Laura Ward
Ginger Scott
S.P. Cervantes
Kennedy Ryan
Elizabeth Reyes
E.M. Tippetts
Lisa Burstein
M. Leighton 
Tracey Garvis-Graves
Tina Reber
Jamie McGuire
Colleen Hoover
Abbi Glines

Cover Reveal: Here Lies Love

Here Lies Love Promo Cover

Here Lies Love Synopsis:
When she is sold by her father, Abbey discovers that nightmares can occur when you’re awake. Trapped inside a wooden cage, Abbey is forced to listen to the horrors and atrocities above; time ticking down until it is her turn. But Abbey isn’t prepared to become a victim; she will escape.

Although, what Abbey isn’t prepared for, is how harsh and unfair the world can be. With the sun turning its back on humanity long ago, life gives no opportunity. The only thing Abbey can do is learn to survive. To exist. And that means stealing any opportunity that comes her way. Haunted by the unpleasant memories bestowed upon her only nurtures Abbey’s paranoia, until she realises that to truly live in the world, she must confront the person who was responsible for her misfortune – her father.

Here Lies Love is a tale of actuality, of facing up to the fact that love comes in many guises. Can Abbey find the one glimmer of hope or will she be overcome with the darkness of revenge? Here Lies Love is coming April 2014. 
62435-addtogoodreads
 
 
Dan Thompson Author PicAuthor Bio:
Dan lives in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire (England) with his young daughter and his shabby dog, Skye.
 
He is the Author of the charity poetry book Life is all but a vast array of Colours and phobia Novella The Caseworker’s Memoirs. His first full length novel, A YA Fantasy entitled The Black Petal will be available soon. Also in 2014, a dark new adult novel entitled Here Lies Love will be released.
 
A lover of YA and fantasy fiction, you can often find him writing on his blog, writing book reviews and connecting online with other writer-type people and interviewing authors. Dan grew up reading Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five series, secretly coming up with his own inventive adventures, and R.L Stine’s The Goosebump series, before turning to the works of Philip Pullman, Eoin Colfer and Marcus Sedgwick and slipping away into alternate realities. He also loves a good Historical Thriller too.
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

 

Author Dan Thompson is giving one lucky winner the chance to name one of the male characters in the book!!! 
Enter HERE or copy and paste the url below into your web browser.

Pieces For You (For You #2) Book Review

pfy final 2

Synopsis 

“The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies,
and still defying fortune’s spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats. 

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

This story is appropriate for readers 18+
Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You Series, the book can be read as a stand alone. 

62435-addtogoodreads 

Review

I don’t even know what to say other than…..

excited6

This book is flipping phenomenal, amazing, superb, excellent, superior, intelligent, purposefully written, sparkling cider…ok, now I’m just being silly, but it really is a spectacular read and a wonderful follow up to Only For You. It has the same vibe as Only For You in that it keeps you guessing until the very end, the author maintains her wit and humor while dealing with some heavy subject matter. I loved the character development, the introduction of new characters and I loved how invested I became in Griffin and Sam’s relationship as with Hunter and Ev! 

Let me take a step back and say if you have NOT already read Only For You…what are you waiting for???? 

Read my review of Only For You —–> HERE 
So, back to Pieces For You…AND Griffin….

swooning

Yeah, I’d take a Hunter-Griffin sandwich any day hehe. Seriously smitten…Genna Rulon easily grabs your attention, holds it and makes you fall in love with most of her characters in the process. I say most because there are some you won’t like very much…may even hate, but she will absolutely make you feel!

This book is heavy and deals with Sam’s issues primarily, though other characters are introduced and past relationships developed (and well developed I might add). This is a book about taking charge of your life and moving forward, finding love, growing, healing and living! I love Sam, I am in awe of all she went through and how she got through it. She was broken in Only For You and she becomes this amazing woman in Pieces For You. I don’t want to spoil the read, there’s lots of heavy, lots of witty and definitely lots of sexxxxxy! My eyes bulged quite a few times while reading. This is a book that will captivate you. I finished in one sitting and I don’t doubt you will be unable to put the book down until it’s done. I CANNOT wait for the next book. Genna Rulon has easily become one of my favorite authors of 2013 and this series has stuck with me in many ways and sadly for some of my favorite authors I have to say these two books are probably the best new adult books I’ve read to date! 

I don’t know if I should go into too much detail about the characters, but for those who have read Only For You, there is plenty more Ev and Hunter! You will be completely satisfied! For those, like me who fell in love with Griffin in book one, you will fall even deeper this time around. I may love him more than any other book boyfriend. He is the perfect. If you’re in the mood to fall in love….I highly recommend this read. You’re sure to swoon….

tumblr_lj0hhujn501qhz6ljo1_400 tumblr_mualqm4yyf1sd5ziio1_500 

Favorite Quote

“Lo, you could never disappoint me. If you’re honest with me and yourself, you have no reason to worry. No one’s unblemished, we all have our scars — some are just easier to hide. The right man will navigate the minefield and bring you to the other side safely. He will find a way to give you the pleasure you deserve, no matter what it takes. You are worth the effort,”

Buy Pieces for You (For You, #2) 

 

A portion of the proceeds from Pieces For You will be donated to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) 

 

Buy Only For You (For You, #1) 
 

quote 4

About the Author:  

7256159

After 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, an avid reader, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by the success of her favorite authors, many of whom are self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations.

Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most extraordinary family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on (he even feigns interest relatively convincingly). Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

All of Genna’s novels are brought to you courtesy of coffee and Disney Junior. 

Goodreads  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  Tumblr  |  Website

 

 

Back to Reality (Back to Life #2) by Danielle Allen

BacktoRealityOfficialCover
~ Synopsis ~

Her past: Emanuel Mills was her first love. The guitar playing, adventure seeking, IT whiz was everything she ever wanted.

Her present: Tyree Barker was her last love. The cultured, educated, successful entrepreneur was everything she needed.

But when Sahara Lee’s past and present collided, a series of events occurred that changed her life forever, leaving her future up in the air.

As a college freshman, a tragic accident changed the course of Sahara’s life. Ten years later, just when she started putting her life back together, Sahara’s world was rocked again due to a similar accident.

Heartbroken and guilt ridden, Sahara fell into old, familiar habits before quickly realizing that she wasn’t the same Sahara Lee anymore. Unable to live a lonely, loveless, isolated life anymore, Sahara decided that the way she coped before wasn’t going to work this time around.

Time didn’t heal her wounds, but forgiveness might.

 62435-addtogoodreads

Back to Reality 1 Excerpt  

buylinkamazon 

Danielle Allen
Author Bio:

I am a married event planner and life coach. My awesome friends and family and my amazing husband make my life sweet. I love to have fun and enjoy the life I’ve been blessed with. I love shopping and football with equal fervor. I’m an amateur movie critic (i.e. my husband and I watch and critique a lot of movies for fun). I love to read and I enjoy sharing my love of books with anyone who will listen. I love music. A good lyric with a good melody can paint a vivid picture and invoke such a range of emotions. I have a soft spot for most mediums of creative, artistic expression.

With degrees in psychology, human services, and marriage and family counseling, I have a unique perspective on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. As an author, I combine an active imagination and life experiences to create stories that are easily relatable and intentionally intriguing. I want to offer you a peek into someone else’s life and for you to get lost in their story, their trials, their triumphs. My ultimate goal is to create a character or a story that stays with you long after you’ve put the book down.

So in a nutshell: I plan. I teach. I read. I write. I watch. I critique. I shop. I play. I love.

To know me is to love me.

XOXO  

Goodreads  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Website  

 

~ Giveaway ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finding Love’s Wings Book Review

CoverTutorial-14.png
Synopsis

CAMERON ENDERS seems to have it all: a brand new condo in a city she loves, a top executive position at an international entertainment firm, an insane amount of money, and a gorgeous boyfriend. But when Cami catches the boyfriend in the act with another woman, it triggers all the anguish from years of neglect by her parents, and she realizes she never learned how to love or be loved. Cami flees to the remote tropical island of Tarah, but she can’t avoid facing her problems any longer when she meets the man of her fantasies…

TRISTAN MICHAELS, one of Hollywood’s hottest new stars, has come to Tarah to ride out a storm. His girlfriend of five years has been caught on camera cheating, and she’s determined to make Tristan stop the story from breaking.

But Tristan’s done cleaning up her messes. He needs to escape all things Hollywood for a while–and especially the firm that represents him–until the whole thing blows over. What he doesn’t count on is meeting an irresistibly beautiful woman, a woman who just so happens to be the CEO of the firm he’s trying to avoid.

Can Tristan and Cami help each other learn to trust and love again, or will their histories of betrayal tear them apart?

goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f

Omg I looooove this book. I love Tristan! I love the body art and piercings. I love the chemistry. I just love everything about it. Zoey Derrick, you have a fan! I am ready for book 2…like now!

What happened?

Cameron Enders and Tristan Michaels both are trying to flee their lives for similar reasons. They both want to clear their heads without anyone finding them. Somehow they both decide to head to the remote island of  Tarah.

Tristan is trying to escape a very public scandal surrounding his ex-girlfriend Layla, while Cami is trying to move forward with her life. In the wake of her ex-boyfriend’s infidelity she’s determined to disappear for a while. She’s grown weary of meaningless relationships. She wants more out of life but is unsure that she knows the first thing about love…until she meets Tristan.

Unbeknownst to Cami, Tristan first spots her in the first class lounge at LAX and he’s instantly drawn to her tattoo. He sees the wings on her back as a sign and is determined to know who they belong to. Hoping they’re on the same flight, he carefully watches her, until he is swarmed by fans and paparazzi. He loses sight of her, but somehow they end up in the same hotel.

Tristan isn’t the only one who is smitten. Cami has known who Tristan Michaels is for years. She’s seen his face plastered on billboards and magazines and something about him has always been soothing to her. She finds comfort in his eyes before ever meeting him. She’s always felt a pull but could never describe it, then suddenly, he’s thrust into her life and they’re both falling hard and fast.

Though both have been broken down by their pasts. Somehow they find solace in one another.

What I loved?

Tristan
Cami
Tristan
Tristan
Oh wait, did I say that already?
What else, Tristan! Lol that’s not a typo just me expressing my undying love for him! He is so hot! Oh and Tyson, yeah, I like him too!

Zoey Derrick is truly gifted when it comes to her descriptive writing. The intimate encounters will make you blush!  If you’re a fan of body art and piercings like I am, you will definitely appreciate this book. This book had my full attention and I finished it in less than 24 hours! The main characters were lovable and their courtship was rather sensual. This was a fun summer read.

What I hated?
Listen here Zoey, I want the next book and I want it now. lol 😉

Purchase Finding Love’s Wings for Kindle or Paperback

Finding Bliss Book Review

17408326

*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”

goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f

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

Losing Hope Book Review

17340050

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

Synopsis

In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.”

goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f

First of all I just have to say…this book is fucking incredible. I am still in tears. I am so not a crier, but what can I say, Colleen Hoover writes so beautifully that I am touched by every single word she writes.

Holder…what an incredible, loving, supportive person he is! I love Holder, everything about him. I absolutely love books written in male POV. Something just makes you fall deeper in love with the men of the book and I will say I even fell more in love with Breckin and Daniel after this read! Oh, but Colleen you have now made me curious about Daniel’s story…hmmm…maybe you can write a book about it? I’ll even settle for a novella…short story…essay? LOL

Reading this book was like opening presents on Christmas. I was incredibly moved by the outpouring of love and devotion throughout this book. You fall in love with Sky and Holder reading Hopeless. It is a heartbreaking yet incredibly touching story. Hopeless broke my heart and warmed it all at once. I found the same to be true when I read Losing Hope. Somehow I managed to fall deeper in love with Holder this time around and I did NOT think that was possible. I thought I’d maxed out my love for him with Hopeless but Losing Hope lived up to every expectation I had and then some!

The book is phenomenal. I highly recommend it and if you have yet to read Hopeless please do me a favor and order yourself a copy! I would hate for anyone to miss out on an opportunity to experience these emotionally-charged books. I’m still reeling from my own experience!

Losing Hope is slated for release on July 8, 2013 

HOPELESS is available on Amazon Kindle for only $0.99  (LIMITED TIME) order your copy today and while you’re at it…

Pre-order Losing Hope for Kindle or Pre-Order Losing Hope in Paperback

About the Author:

www.colleenhoover.com

https://twitter.com/colleenhoover

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorColleenHoover

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430144.Colleen_Hoover

Five Summer Book Releases

My list of anticipated summer book releases:

18052619

Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski (June 20, 2013)

I CANNOT wait to read this one. First of all I must say I fell in LOVE with The Edge of Never, which was my first J.A. Redmerski book. I was hooked! Reading the excerpt/synopsis of this book makes me think I will love it just as much.

Pre-Order here for Kindle

13638570-1

Out of Breath (Book 3) by Rebecca Donovan (July 2, 2013)

OMG. I read both Reason to Breathe and Barely Breathing in two days. I could not put them down. And the cliffhangers OMG. How could you do that to me Rebecca Donovan??? How??? lol. I really really really loved the books. I wanted to choke Emma at times but the books were great.  Barely Breathing left me in such suspense! I need to breathe again Rebecca I seriously need to breathe. Good thing I’ll be able to do that on July 2nd. This book…I cannot put into words how much I want to read it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Pre-Order here for Kindle or Paperback

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

15283043

Another July 2nd release. I’ve never read any Kasie West books but this one sounds interesting…and what a lovely cover. I don’t judge books by covers but some definitely grab my attention and this one did!
Pre-order here on Kindle or Paperback

17340050

Losing Hope (Book 2) by Colleen Hoover (July 9, 2013)

You all know how much I love Colleen Hoover books so I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for this release. I fell in LOVE with Hopeless. I also cried a bucket. The book was intense. The issues were real and watching Sky and Holder’s relationship develop….sigh…Holder ahhh I love books written in male POV! This one is going to be EPIC.

Pre-order for Kindle July 9, 2013 or Paperback October 15, 2013

17325147

Left Drowning by Jessica Park (July 16, 2013)

Jessica Park has quickly become one of my preferred authors to read. She’s amazingly witty and I am so in love with Flat-Out Love and more recently Flat-Out Matt….really I’m just in love with Matt but the books were amazing. This story sounds achingly beautiful. I have an ARC that I meant to start this weekend but unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to! I plan on reading it this week…I have no doubt I will be blown away!

Pre order for Kindle or Paperback

%d bloggers like this: