Articles

Jul 23 2013

Axel (Corps Security #1) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

*This book is intended for a mature reading audience and isn’t suitable for younger readers. Brash language, sexual hotness, delectable alpha males, some violence and adult situations are all over this book–you have been warned! **wink**

Synopsis

Fate hasn’t always been friends with Isabelle West. In fact, fate has been a down right bitch.

Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares. One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved.

For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband.

When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.

Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.

How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?

There are a bit of spoilers in this review but, hardly enough to ruin the book.
I highly recommend this book. It is well written and a great summer read!

What happens?
Axel leaves for the marines a young foster kid. He and Izzy are deeply in love but tragedy pulls them apart. Even after years of missing one another and life moving on, the two have never forgotten one another or the love they shared. That tricky bitch fate brings them back together and this is where the story truly begins for me. I loved watching these two rebuild what was so long ago lost. I loved the chemistry and the heat rising from my kindle as I read. I’m still fanning myself over Axel…wooooah is all I can say.

This is a great read for those who like a good erotic romance with a HEA. There is a great story behind this and I’m guessing there will be more to tell from the looks of the title. Can we say sequel? I hope so. There are so many stories to tell I would love to hear Maddox’s story and also Dee’s story, especially what drew her away from her love interest in this book. I was eager to get that story but I’m glad there will be more. I do hope there will be more Axel and Izzy as I fell in love with these two.

What I loved?
Axel, Axel and Axel oh wait, Maddox, Beck, and let’s not forget Greg.

I could’ve done without Coop, he was a bit of a player but give me the other 4 in a sandwich…I’d eat them up!
Oh who am I kidding? I’d take Coop too!

Yummo! Lol!

This story was great because while it was sexually explicit it still had a STORY…and a good one at that. There was passion and sexual chemistry but the book also delves into the world of domestic violence/abuse and I admire Harper Sloan for taking it there. It is a subject too often forgotten and one that affects a considerate amount of women…and men! The affects of such abuse can be life or death but the emotional scars are deeply examined in this book. I appreciated that. Even if you’ve never experienced an abusive relationship, you walk away respecting someone who has survived such a horrific ordeal. You learn a lot about their struggles and the toll a relationship of that magnitude can take on the abused psychologically.

With that said…

Woah, I freakin’ loved this book. Every minute of it! Axel, omg what I would do to have Axel. He is so hot! I got frustrated with Axel and Izzy’s naivety and stubbornness but, I was completely satisfied with the direction this book took. Isabelle had a rough life. She swears fate has it out for her and after reading a couple chapters you almost start to agree. But when Axel comes bounding back into her life things get…complicated.

I was so deeply enamored with Axel and Izzy’s relationship. I wanted everything to work out, even if fate had other plans. I feel the trials and tribulations thrown their way only strengthens their union when they are finally reunited.

This story makes you believe in love. It makes you believe in lifelong, unbreakable, earth shattering love. The kind of love that can conquer all!

What I hated?
It ended. I wanted more…lol

Favorite Quotes:

It really is funny sometimes how everything comes full circle. Just when you think your life is headed in one clear cut direction, the light turns red and the turn signal comes on.”

“People say karma is a bitch but I have news for you, karma doesn’t have anything on fate when she is after blood. Not a single thing.”

“My body is telling me to start humping, my heart is telling me to run, and my mind is sitting there enjoying a cigarette as his hips start to move against me.”

“I love you, Axel Reid. I have loved you forever and I will never stop. Made for me, baby. You were made for me. Don’t ever leave me. Never again. I would rather die than be without you again.”

About the Author:

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

Author Links:

Email: authorharpersloan@gmail.com

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

Jul 22 2013

Love Love Book Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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

Synopsis

Gabrielle Willis is smart. She’s funny. And oh yes, she’s a bit klutzy.

When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?

On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she’s tried to forget and by a family who’s abandoned her. But what happens when what’s on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what’s buried deep within?

Enter Dane Rhodes. He’s gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.

**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**

My Thoughts:

I LOVE LOVED this book. Seriously it made my heart melt, my stomach flutter and brought a smile to my face. I fell in love quick and was heartbroken even quicker, but somehow I managed to put back the pieces of my mangled heart. Love Love is a witty, fun and sexy book. It is an appealing story that will draw you in from start to finish. It makes you want to find a love like this and hold onto it for dear life.

Gabby drove me insane. It was a roller-coaster ride dealing with her poor decision making but I love her despite it all. She is a sweet girl who goes through a lot, but man, did some of her decisions stink! Fran definitely wins the award for best supporting BFF ℓσℓ I love her and her craziness. Gabby was a phenomenal friend as well. Their friendship made me appreciate my own best friend a bit more.

I don’t want to give away too much of the love story, just know it is definitely worth the read. This book is filled with friendship, love, loss and romance. It will tug at your heartstrings. A great summer read and a fantastic book for those who have ever experienced loss or loved from the depths of their soul.

Purchase Love Love: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Giveaway:

Giveaway #1 – Signed paperback (US ONLY) and one eBook

Enter Here

Giveaway #2 – One (1) $10 Starbucks card.

Answer this question and leave your email address in order to have a chance at winning a $10 Starbucks card:

What is Gabby’s favorite type of coffee? What is your favorite?

Author Bio:
Beth Michele is a wife, a mom, an author and a lover of all things chocolate, well, anything sweet really. While stuffing chocolate in her face, she enjoys reading young adult and new adult novels furiously, and spending time with her husband and two adorable children who keep her on her painted toes. Those same children who inspire her to tell silly stories that cause hysterical giggles to tumble from their bellies. Beth is a hopeless romantic and a happily ever after fanatic who loves to write about love.

Author Links:
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | WEBSITE

Jul 21 2013

Me Before You Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.
What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they’re going to change the other for all time.

“This book was….WOW.”

That is the extent of my goodreads review. I thought I’d expand on that and discuss what I loved and disliked about this book. I actually loved everything about this book. It was powerful, emotional, deeply moving and something about it stuck with me. The love, the loss, the growth, all make this a beautiful yet complex novel. I cried like a baby but I seriously recommend the hell out of it.

This was a book club read for my friends and I. Yes, somehow between all my blog reads and life I make time for a book club haha…don’t judge me! I roped my sister into giving her input for this review. She begrudgingly agreed. LOL. These are our shared opinions…

What’s it about?

Me Before You is a tragic yet heartfelt journey of self discovery. It will most certainly make you shed a tear…or a thousand. I certainly did. My sis says, “Me too!”

Lou Clark lived a simple, run of the mill life. She is a girl who doesn’t know what she wants when the book begins. For much of the story she is still trying to figure her life out. She can’t fathom having any sort of definitive life plan. She is an eccentric girl with a very unique sense of style. This made me laugh for much of the book because her quirky sense of style was something that stuck with me. It doesn’t seem like a very important fact but when you read this story there will be moments like this that stick with you. I think you will also understand why it stuck out to me after reading.

When Will Traynor enters her life…or rather, when Lou enters Will’s life the things she accepted as the status quo she now begins to question. He makes her question her entire life, starting with the reason why she remains in a loveless relationship. He challenges her and makes her challenge herself. Will had his entire life planned out. He can’t understand how someone can live their life without a plan. Even after his life-altering accident he creates a plan; one that many disagree with but a plan nonetheless.

This oddball combination brings out the very best and worse in one another. I really liked the dynamic character development and the story overall.

I will give you one spoiler…this is not a typical love story, in fact it isn’t so much about love as it is focusing on finding your own path in life and making decisions that are right for you. This is a must read.

My rating – 5 star
My sister’s rating – 5 star

We firmly stand by our ratings and highly recommend it.

*Note – If you are a Jodi Picoult or Nicholas Sparks fan this is a book you will appreciate.

Purchase Me Before You for Kindle | Paperback

About the Author:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Jul 19 2013

Finding Love’s Wings Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 5 Comments

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?

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

Jul 15 2013

C.T. Oliver’s Love of Truth Release & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis

For the next eleven days all Amelia Adler wants is a nice relaxing vacation on the beach. All she’ll do is drink pineapple margaritas and read sexy steamy romance novels. She doesn’t want to think about the stress of her daily life nor the fact that she doesn’t know what to do with her life.
Craig Patrice just wants to spend his last spring break catching wave after waves during the day in the Pacific Ocean, and relax as much as he can at night. This is his last break before finishing law school and starting at a firm this upcoming summer. He has no desire for a fling or a girlfriend. All he wants is to buckle down and finish this year off right. That is until he gets a glimpse of his vacationing neighbor, and for the life of him, he can’t look away.
Though Craig and Amelia are somewhat reluctant for a relationship, they seem to find comfort in one another and can’t let go of each other. Finding romance on vacation is one thing, but can their relationship withstand the demand of real life and once their past catches up with them will believing in each other’s truth save their future.

Purchase Love of Truth for Kindle

Excerpt

Cory is frantically trying to usher the squirrel off his lap and trying not to scream making his face red in the process. Ben and Craig simply gather their food closer to them and keep eating. Feeling a little shocked by their lack of action and help, I rush over, with some bread. Trying to bribe the squirrel away from Cory. Cory stands up and tries to shoo the squirrel off with one hand and the other raising his sandwich high in the air, but the squirrel only clings to his shirt and climb up to his shoulder.
“If you stop moving, maybe I can get him off you.” I try to hurry after Cory, chasing him as he flails around slowly.
“It’s fine, I just can’t lower my sandwich, or he’ll get it,” Cory says, shifting back and forth.
“Just give up your sandwich!”
“No! It’s myyyyyy sandwich! You hear that squirrel? MINE!”
“Let me get the trail mix, maybe tha…”
“No! That’s my snack woman!”
“Give up your snack, or he’s going to eat off your face!”
“I’ve had my SHOTS!” Cory screeches. The squirrel scratches at the arm holding the sandwich high in the air.
“Here squirrelly, you can have my some of my cashews, here squirrelly…” I hold out some cashews in my hand. The squirrel actually takes a second to decide whether to continue his attack or go for the nuts. The nuts win.
“Thanks, I would have gotten him off,” Cory says, taking a big bite out of his sandwich as he sits back down at the table.
I go back to table. “I can’t believe you guys just sat there while he was attacked by a squirrel!”
“Amelia, you think that’s the first time something like that happened?” Ben asks seriously.
“After you’ve been stampeded in the middle of the night by a mama deer and her fawns because he packed food in his sleeping bag, you learn to let him fend for himself,” Craig says while he lightly rubs his left shoulder as if the memory brought back a phantom pain.
I laugh at the idea.
“You think it’s funny?! Pay attention to all the other critters that will appear once they smell Cory coming,” Ben states.
“I can’t believe she gave away some nuts,” Cory pouts.
“Better than you losing yours,” I smirk.
“I could hold my own.”
“Against a squirrellll…” I deadpan. Craig laughs, pulling me next to him and places a kiss on the side of my head. The comfort level that I’m finding naturally with him is both alarming and calming at the same time. I sigh contentedly as I lean into him.”

About the Author:
Facebook | Twitter

Release Giveaway – (Open Internationally)
Win one of four (4) $10 Amazon giftcards or one (1) ebook copy of Love of Truth

Enter Here

*No purchase necessary. Must be 17 years of age and older to enter. Must reside in countries able to receive eBooks gifted from Amazon.com. The retail value of the eBook is $2.99 USD. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners will be selected after August 1, 2013 randomly by Rafflecopter. Entries will be reviewed for accuracy. The Biblio-Files and AToMR Tours are not liable for purchasing, shipping or emailing the items, winner not receiving the items, or lost items shipped/emailed. This sweepstakes is sponsored by the author and eBooks will be provided via email by the author. If the items are not claimed via email within 24 hours of receiving notification the item will be forfeited with no winner or an alternate winner may be selected at blog’s discretion with email verification by August 4, 2013. Any taxes associated will be paid by the author unless otherwise stated. The Biblio-Files has the right to obtain and publicize the winners name and likeness. Void where prohibited by law.

Jul 08 2013

Girl in Translation Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

Introducing a fresh, exciting Chinese-American voice, an inspiring debut about an immigrant girl forced to choose between two worlds and two futures.

When Kimberly Chang and her mother emigrate from Hong Kong to Brooklyn squalor, she quickly begins a secret double life: exceptional schoolgirl during the day, Chinatown sweatshop worker in the evenings. Disguising the more difficult truths of her life like the staggering degree of her poverty, the weight of her family’s future resting on her shoulders, or her secret love for a factory boy who shares none of her talent or ambition. Kimberly learns to constantly translate not just her language but herself back and forth between the worlds she straddles.

Through Kimberly’s story, author Jean Kwok, who also emigrated from Hong Kong as a young girl, brings to the page the lives of countless immigrants who are caught between the pressure to succeed in America, their duty to their family, and their own personal desires, exposing a world that we rarely hear about.

Written in an indelible voice that dramatizes the tensions of an immigrant girl growing up between two cultures, surrounded by a language and world only half understood, Girl in Translation is an unforgettable and classic novel of an American immigrant-a moving tale of hardship and triumph, heartbreak and love, and all that gets lost in translation.

Review

I read this book a couple of months ago and I really loved it but then I was left in a state of distress. An ending to a fantastic novel that fails to meet my expectations usually ruins an entire book for me, but this book was so well written and moving that I still can’t help but rate it high on my list. While I was disappointed with the ending the book deserves notable mention as a good read. I just felt a little warning was needed especially to those who are easily disappointed by less than stellar endings.

The story documents the life and times of a Chinese immigrant girl Kimberly Chang and her mother who are thrust into a new life in America, namely New York City. Their lives are rough from the start. I rooted for their success throughout the book, but how far would you go to escape poverty? How much would you be willing to sacrifice?

Kimberly was an extremely selfless person who considered the future of not only herself but those who would be affected by her choices. She grew up quickly and became the one her mother depended on due to the language barrier. This explores her struggles, her accomplishments, her decisions and the outcome. Her selflessness was noble but at what cost?

This book is a quick read and really explores the difficulties the protagonist Kimberly and her mother face adjusting to a new culture and country. I was all in, until the last few pages and not because there wasn’t a happy ending or it wasn’t necessarily a love story but it really was anticlimactic. I was disappointed, to say the least, but I really thought over how affected I was by the story as a whole and in retrospect, it was well written.

Jean Kwok paints a vivid picture of life as an Asian American immigrant. She adequately describes the struggles many immigrants face entering a new country and essentially a new way of life. It shows not only the American experience but the struggle to achieve the American dream. This book is definitely worth a read but I’m giving you fair warning you may or may not love the ending. I’d love to know your thoughts on this book so comment, email, tweet, facebook, smoke signal, whatever ℓσℓ

Jul 07 2013

Out of Breath Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

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

Synopsis

Emma leaves Weslyn and everyone in it behind to attend Stanford University, just as she always intended. A shell of her former self, she is not the same girl. She is broken, and the only way that she’ll be whole again is through forgiveness. Emma must find a way to forgive herself and recognize her own worth before she can receive the love she deserves. This final installment will have readers holding their breath until the very last page.

Out of Breath, Book 3 of the Breathing Series is finally here and I am sad it is over. I don’t think I can adequately put into words my love for this series and Rebecca Donovan’s stellar writing, but here goes. What an emotional ride!!! I was nearly about to give up on this book. I had palpitations reading this one. I was nervous yet excited. My heart raced and my stomach dropped. By 12% I was disappointed and unsure of my feelings, but I kept reading knowing that Rebecca Donovan has managed to completely surprise me in the past. By 20% I was hooked. I could not put the book down. At 50% I was in a state of shock.

“Living in the mistakes of your past isn’t going to do anything but destroy your future”

Emma scared the hell out of me, more so in this book than the previous two. I was terrified of the choices she made. Early on I hated what was happening to her, she was lost and utterly broken. It was unlike anything I had expected. I was sad and upset at a lot of her decisions but I understood how messed up things were for her. Emma was screwed up from the first two books but in this book Emma took it to a whole different level. I feared for her and didn’t know what to expect, every decision she made had me on the edge of my seat. I seriously had anxiety throughout most of this book and I most certainly was holding my breath!

What about Evan, you ask? Well, he’s still one of the most incredible book boyfriends EVER! I was in a panic when things progressed in this book and he was no where to be found. I was anxious, to say the least, but boy oh boy was his return worth every nail biting moment! I don’t want to give away too much so that’s all I will say about Evan. I just wanted to hug them both and make things better, you will go through emotional hell reading this one but it will be worth it, I promise.

Sadly at 70 some odd % the exhaustion took over and I had to call it a night. I could not keep my eyes open and I tried desperately to finish but the last few days of little to no sleep finally caught up with me. I gave in. I woke up and the first thing on my mind was Out of Breath. I knew I would never be able to breath again until I finished. My kindle was my first priority of the day! Damn a shower, damn brushing my teeth, damn breakfast and damn getting out of bed. I grabbed my kindle, powered it on and continued from where I left off. I needed to know how it would end. I seriously did not start my day until I finished this book and it was worth every minute. I was not disappointed. I devoured the last few chapters. This book is emotional, raw and gritty. I loved it, but it was a completely bittersweet feeling knowing this was the final book of the series. I was satisfied with the ending…but, I wouldn’t be opposed to a continuation of this story in the future…hey, a girl can dream 😉

This is a must read and if you have yet to check out the series…what are you waiting for? All three books are out, ready and waiting for you.

Go.

Read.

Now.

Purchase Out of Breath for Kindle or Purchase Out of Breath in Paperback

Need the entire series…

Book 1 – Reason to Breathe for Kindle or Reason to Breathe in Paperback

17299817

Book 2 – Barely Breathing for Kindle or Barely Breathing in Paperback

Finding Bliss Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

*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”

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

Jul 05 2013

Kindle Freebies

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

It’s Friday kids! Guess what that means? Friday Freebies…

Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Reading!

The

Jul 03 2013

Hold On My Heart Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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

Synopsis

To build a future, sometimes you have to tear down the past…

Chicago event planner Libby Hamilton can turn any bland setting into a dramatic venue – but when she abruptly loses her job, and her fair-weather boyfriend moves to another state, Libby suddenly finds herself back in the tiny town she grew up in. Worse than that, her father wants help transforming an old schoolhouse into a vintage ice cream parlor and Libby must trade in her power suits for power tools.

Widowed restoration specialist Tom Murphy can rebuild just about anything – except the shattered relationship he shares with his teenaged daughter. Hired by Libby’s father, Tom isn’t interested in sharing the details of his personal life with beautiful, spunky Libby. He just wants to get the job done. But she is tenacious – and sexy – and it doesn’t take long before she breaks down his walls, builds up his hope, and gets a hold on his heart that won’t let go.

This is actually my first Tracy Brogan book, but after reading Hold On My Heart…I know it will not be my last. This book is delightful, witty and heart-warming. The author’s descriptive language shows that she is truly a gifted writer. She pulled me into this small town world and I loved every minute of it.

We’re introduced to Libby in the first chapter. She is a woman who returns to her small town home after her corporate career abruptly comes to an end, all thanks to an email. Libby appears to be an accident-prone klutz, but something about her is endearing. Her retired father pulls her into his latest harebrained scheme — opening an old fashioned ice cream parlor. The author creates a vivid image of Libby’s quirky, sometimes comedic family but you love them nonetheless. Libby’s father hires Tom Murphy (who in my opinion is deliciously sexy) to restore his investment and Libby’s first encounter with Tom is rather amusing. Despite her embarrassing first impression, Libby’s curiosity gets the best of her. Her interest in Tom grows while Tom resents his interest in Libby. She is loquacious and drives Tom mad but there is something about her he can’t shake. Slowly he begins to open up to her. While these two grapple with their feelings, you will undoubtedly root for their happy ever after. This is a great summer read. I read it in one sitting. The story is realistic, well written and utterly charming. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a good romance with a dash of comedy.

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Out Of Breath (The Breathing Series, #3)

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Rebecca Donovan’s third installment of The Breathing Series — Out of Breath is finally here!

I’ve eagerly anticipated the release of this book since reading the first two in the series. The second book left me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to start this one. If you haven’t already read Reason to Breathe or Barely Breathing what are you waiting for? These books are amazing. I could not put them down. I’ll admit, the first book ended with a crazy cliffhanger but it was well worth the read. The second book left me in awe. I sat wondering, guessing and hoping. I thought the suspense would surely kill me. But here we are…July 2nd release and I’m starting my copy today!!! Go ahead and add it to your goodreads shelf and while you’re at it go on and order yourself a copy!

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Jul 01 2013

July BOTM

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

One Pink Line by Dina Silver

Synopsis

“Can the love of a lifetime be forever changed by one pink line? Dina Silver’s tender, absorbing novel, One Pink Line, is the warmhearted, wry story of love, loss and family, as seen through the prism of one singular, spirited young couple who find themselves in a predicament that changes the course of their lives, and those closest to them. With heart, humor and compassion, this debut work of women’s fiction is certain to stir anyone who relishes a good laugh, can stand a good cry, and, above all believes in the redemptive power of love.

This unique, contemporary story gives readers a dual perspective. Sydney Shephard, a sweet-tempered, strong-natured college senior is young, in love with an exceptional man, and unexpectedly pregnant. Faced with a child she never planned for, she is forced to relay this news to her neurotic mother, relinquish her youth, and risk losing the love of her life. Then there’s Grace, a daughter, who believed she was a product of this great love, grows to realize her existence is not what she assumed, and is left with profound and puzzling questions about who she really is.

Spanning generations and every imaginable emotion, One Pink Line reveals how two points of view can be dramatically at odds, and perhaps ultimately reconciled. Simultaneously deeply felt and lighthearted, One Pink Line deftly mines how the choices we make are able to alter so many lives, and how doing the right thing and living honestly can bring unexpected, hard-won happiness. It’s a must-read for anyone who relishes a great love story, absorbing characters, and plenty of laughs along the way.”