Articles

Aug 01 2016

Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, This Girl, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella, Maybe Someday, Ugly Love, Maybe 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 ~

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 26^th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

BOSTON, MA

Tuesday, August 2^nd

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 3^rd

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 4^th

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 5^th

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 6^th

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 7^th

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 8^th

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 9^th

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 10^th
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/

Apr 15 2015

Book Review: Deep (Stage Dive, #4) by Kylie Scott

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

SYNOPSIS

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

REVIEW

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

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

As far as rock star romances go, Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series is the cream of the crop. She absolutely nailed this series. I fell in love with Lick, then Play stole the show and had me in stitches not to mention hot and bothered, Lead made me fall in love with love and now Kylie pulls together a remarkable ending to a much-loved series. Ben and Lizzy’s story comes to life in the best possible way with Deep.

My heart broke a little by the end of this book and not because the story ended badly, in fact, I think I loved the ending a little too much because I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. My disappointment or heartbreak was related to the series coming to an end. It has been a much beloved series and I will definitely revisit when I need my rock star fix. It’s hard for me to pick favorites in the series, Deep hit me on a different level. The connection between Ben and Lizzy frustrated me at times, but the combo was absolutely perfect for so many ways…I got it and I loved it. I was upset, enchanted and utterly smitten all at once. I laughed a lot (as I did with all the Stage Dive books.) Lizzy is loveable and fierce. I fell in love with her bravery and ferocity. I fell hard for Ben the minute I heard about the bearded bass player…. must’ve been the B 😉

Lizzy Rollins has had a crush on bass player Ben Nicholson since the day she laid eyes on him, she attempted to pursue him only to be repeatedly shut down, but one night in Vegas will irrevocably change their lives. Sorry Ben, what happened in Vegas won’t be staying in Vegas after all. Ben, the man we knew never wanted to be tamed. He’s got a thing for Lizzy, but keeps her at an arms length, but will their connection bring him to his knees?

This book had me crushing on Ben something fierce. He was a brooding mess at times, but there was also such a tender side to him. He was always the mysterious one to me so it was interesting to finally learn more about him. His relationship with Lizzy is anything but smooth and the two compliment one another well. They have a ton of hurdles to work through, but by the end you’re completely smitten and satiated with the outcome.

Deep weaved its way into my heart and left a lasting imprint. The Stage Dive books are hands down my favorite rocker series. Ben and Lizzy’s story will take you on a witty and emotional journey, with plenty of magical moments. There are interconnected stories featuring the other stage dive members and their significant others, plus new characters are introduced. I must mention Mal because he has been one of my favorites from day one and he made this book an even better experience for me. He always adds just a little something extra and his presence in this book is absolute perfection. This book is entertaining, humorous and off the charts steamy. I hope Kylie finds a way to bring back my favorite characters in the future.

EXCERPT

His laughter, it didn’t really sound the smallest bit amused. “Christ. You’re done here.”

“Ah, no. I’m actually not. Now see, this is where we have a problem.” I folded my arms. Then unfolded them because like fuck I’d look defensive. He was the one in the wrong, not me. “You’re not prepared to take me, or my feelings, seriously. What you want is to hide away in Mr. Too Cool for Commitment land and just play with my affections when it suits you. Okay, I’ve accepted that. But none of that means it’s okay for you to come in here and act like you’re the boss of me. None of it.”

“That so?” he asked, leaning down so that we were almost nose to nose.

“That’s so, baby.” I play-punched him in the shoulder, which it should be noted, I barely came up to. Okay, so maybe the alcohol on a mostly empty stomach had made me slightly/lots braver/sillier. “So why don’t you take your little caveman jealous tantrum bullshit somewhere else. See, I do this funny thing I like to refer to as whatever the fuck I want. Understand?”

He just stared.

“And as pretty as you are with your beard and your muscles, you are too damn tricky and . . . complicated and shit for me.”

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. Are you finally seeing my point here?”

“You bet.”

“Excellent. So take your hotness elsewhere, kind sir. I want no part of it!” Huh. I had so told him. Drunken bravado was the best.

About the Author

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Stage Dive Series Reading Order

Lick (Book One)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Play (Book Two)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Lead (Book Three)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Deep (Book Four)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

GIVEAWAY

Win a SIGNED SET of the Stage Dive Series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mar 26 2015

PRE RELEASE BLITZ: Deep (Stage Dive, #4) by Kylie Scott

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

SYNOPSIS

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

Meet Ben and Lizzy on March 31st!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

EXCERPT

His laughter, it didn’t really sound the smallest bit amused. “Christ. You’re done here.”

“Ah, no. I’m actually not. Now see, this is where we have a problem.” I folded my arms. Then unfolded them because like fuck I’d look defensive. He was the one in the wrong, not me. “You’re not prepared to take me, or my feelings, seriously. What you want is to hide away in Mr. Too Cool for Commitment land and just play with my affections when it suits you. Okay, I’ve accepted that. But none of that means it’s okay for you to come in here and act like you’re the boss of me. None of it.”

“That so?” he asked, leaning down so that we were almost nose to nose.

“That’s so, baby.” I play-punched him in the shoulder, which it should be noted, I barely came up to. Okay, so maybe the alcohol on a mostly empty stomach had made me slightly/lots braver/sillier. “So why don’t you take your little caveman jealous tantrum bullshit somewhere else. See, I do this funny thing I like to refer to as whatever the fuck I want. Understand?”

He just stared.

“And as pretty as you are with your beard and your muscles, you are too damn tricky and . . . complicated and shit for me.”

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. Are you finally seeing my point here?”

“You bet.”

“Excellent. So take your hotness elsewhere, kind sir. I want no part of it!” Huh. I had so told him. Drunken bravado was the best.

About the Author

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Stage Dive Series Reading Order

Lick (Book One)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Play (Book Two)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Lead (Book Three)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Deep (Book Four)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks