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Book Review: After the Rain by Renée Carlino

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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.  

 

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

 

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Book Review: Temper For You (For You, #3) by Genna Rulon

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Temper For You

For You Series, book #3

By Genna Rulon

Synopsis:
 
“Life is messy. Love is messier.” – Catch and Release
Meg Adeio has led a life of isolation—not by choice, by necessity—until one act of heroism forces her out of seclusion. Despite a past shrouded in mystery, Meg is “adopted” by an eclectic group of friends that become the family she never had. Life was good for the first time in…ever.
Or it was until Westly Black reappeared on her doorstep. She knew he was the last man any woman should give her time to—only good for one thing—yet a temptation no woman could deny. Wes might make her life messy, but Meg’s eyes were wide open and she had it under control. At least she thought she did.
When past and present collide, loyalties are tested, forcing Meg to sacrifice her future to protect those she loves.
Temper For You is a gripping story of regret, deception, and redemption – filled with raw emotion, sarcastic wit, intrigue, and love’s propensity to forgive.

• Though Temper For You is a part of the For You Series, it can be read as a stand alone
• This story is appropriate for readers 18+

 

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REVIEW 

Wow. Just W-O-W….
I don’t even know where to begin. As I sit writing this I have come to the conclusion that the For You series is probably one of my favorite series and Genna Rulon has expertly weaved her way into my heart as one of my favorite authors! Temper For You, if you are familiar with the series is Meg’s story. If you are not familiar with the For You series, I urge you to get acquainted with these characters. You will adore them and cherish them just as I do. Although this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the books in order. It just allows you to better connect with the characters and follow references from the past two novels. I don’t know that I can truly rank the books in any specific order as I feel Genna Rulon has undoubtedly stolen my heart every single time. I do believe I am a fan for life. She has an impressive ability to weave words in such a way that allows the reader to step into the book and experience every emotion with these characters. Her expert writing and flawless satire is incomparable to any author I’ve ever read. The closest comparison I can give is that her descriptive abilities are similar to that of Colleen Hoover and her humor close to that of Alice Clayton, however, she is truly unique when it comes to her sarcasm and no one in my opinion has come close to matching the quick wit of her characters.
 
We meet Meg in Pieces For You and immediately we know she’s hiding things. We learn that she has endured some struggles, but her honesty remains questionable. In Temper For You we learn why. Her shrouded past has caused her great pains and she has managed to steer clear of love and friendship. That is until she meets Ev, Sam, Griffin and Hunter. They as Genna claims “adopt” her into the family, and although she adores them, her past still has a tight hold on her. She is sure that she will eventually lose them. She is waging an internal war and although she appears fine on the surface she won’t allow anyone close enough to break through those walls. She knows the dangers of allowing anyone to get too close. So she remains guarded, that is until Westly Black re-enters her life and here begins the struggle. There is an undeniable attraction between these two and their chemistry is off the charts causing a surge of emotions that will forever alter the two. When Meg’s past collides with her present her future seems nothing more than a bleak prospect. Will her newfound family and potential romance allow her to break free from the chains of her past or will she be forced to lose everyone and everything she’s come to know and love?
 
Temper For You is told in dual perspectives. You will get to experience both Wes and Meg’s POV – which I absolutely loved. Wes is a man that on the surface appears to be nothing more than a pompous asshole, but as I read and learned more about his own story, I realized I might not have given him a fair chance. I, like Meg, had not allowed myself to look beyond whom we met in Pieces For You. When I was able to look past the little I knew of Wes I was enamored by this man and his many layers. My only advice to the reader is that you go into this judgment free…give him a chance as I did, you won’t be disappointed.
 
I was so deeply enthralled by this book that I forewent sleep just to finish it. Yes, it is that good!!! I’m not going to lie, there were moments where I wanted to grab Meg and shake her, but most of the book I spent curious and let’s just say her story is quite unlike anything you’d expect. It is quite a compelling read and while each of the characters in this series has experienced their share of struggles and hurdles, Meg’s story touched me in a different way. I felt for her and wanted her to have a happy ending despite the obstacles. I wanted to know more about her past and hoped she’d be able to find a future she deserved, but most of all I wanted her to realize her potential and worth. This story is magnetic. It draws you in and tugs at your heartstrings. You will hope and wish for the best outcome for these two despite the odds.
This book also gets incredibly steamy.  I seriously thought my kindle was going to explode from the chemistry! Talk about passion.The descriptive language also caused me to blush a few times! Temper For You has the perfect blend of romance, drama and humor. Hot, dramatic, sexy, raw,  intense, inspiring and of course witty. I loved everything about this book and now I must buy all three books in print. These are books you need in your library! I highly recommend this to all new adult, romance, contemporary romance, omg who am I kidding, I recommend this to ALL readers (at least those 18 and older…due to the…ahem…content. haha) 

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


 EXCERPT

“Look…Sam is ever-so-slightly insane.  It may be a new form of Tourette’s, but I’m waiting to hear back from the Psych department for confirmation.  Despite her best intentions, she has an astounding propensity to embarrass me.  You are just one in a series of cringe-worthy moments so don’t think you’re anything special, and whatever you do, don’t read too much into anything she said.  Nothing is going to happen between us.”
She was so certain, I almost believed her—almost.
I grabbed the edges of her stool and spun until we were face-to-face, the change of position creating the illusion of privacy and removing the deliberate need for her to speak to me over her shoulder.  I expected a protest but was pleasantly surprised when the only reaction I received was a raised brow.
“That’s better.  Now, was Sam telling the truth?  Are you interested in a no strings…friendship?  Because I can promise I am a very accommodating friend.  And you won’t find anyone less capable of strings than me,” I finished with a salacious smile full of carnal promise.
She leaned into me, her body already buying what I was selling.  It was a moment of weakness I needed to capitalize on.
Splitting the distance between us, I locked my eyes onto hers, my mouth mere inches from her pouty lips.  It was my last chance and I damn well knew it.  Time for the most persuasive closing argument of my life.
“There aren’t many things I’m truly exceptional at.  I’ll never be husband material.  I’m a shit friend most of the time.  I believe the ends usually justify the means.  My moral fiber is questionable, at best.  I will never be the person you call when you’re in a bind or need a shoulder to lean on.  I don’t express my feelings, mostly because I don’t have any that aren’t shallow.  I don’t like animals as a general rule, and children—no, just no,” I paused, asking myself what the hell I was saying as the same question echoed in her eyes.  Too late now—in for a penny, in for a pound.  “The only steadfast rule I have is I do not sleep with someone else’s woman—ever.  Other than that one display of principles, I have few redeeming qualities.  There are two areas I excel, the law and sex—and when I say I excel, I mean I’m a fucking god.  You will forget your own name because all you’ll be able to do is scream mine…over and over again.  You want no-strings, mind-blowing sex?  There is no one better qualified.”
Her eyes were wide as saucers and her mouth slightly open, which I took as an invitation.  Without warning, I closed the gap between us, brushing my lips against her silky pink ones.  I took advantage of her shock and slid my tongue inside, tasting and teasing.  It was a kiss meant to entice, not conquer—that would come later.  I gently nipped her plump lower lip with my teeth and was rewarded with a sharp inhale of desire.  She was so close to surrender I could taste it—sweet and hot, with a hint of vanilla and cranberry.
Her resistance collapsed, marked by the alluring breasts suddenly pressed against my chest—victory.  I grasped her hips, pulling until she was pressed firmly against me, undoubtedly able to feel the steely effect of her kiss.  As I subtly rocked my hips against her core, warm fingers twined through my hair, tugging me closer, causing a groan of pained pleasure to escape from my mouth into hers.
Unwilling to continue my exploration with a bar full of witnesses, I attempted to pull away—an attempt met with unintelligible protests.  I couldn’t risk giving her an opportunity for second thoughts, so I did what any sane man would do.  I slid my hands down to cup her lush ass, lifting until her legs wrapped around my waist, and without breaking the kiss, I carried her out of the bar.  Perhaps I was more of a gentleman than I’d given myself credit for.

 

Westly (cast) Meg (cast) 

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Genna 2 hAbout the Author:
Genna Rulon is a contemporary romance author with a passion for blending comedy, tragedy, suspense, and hope to create her “book babies.”
During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna—inspired by her love of reading—fantasized about penning her own stories.  Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursue her aspirations of writing her own novels.
Genna was born in California and raised on Long Island in New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends.  She’s married to a wonderful man who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on—even feigning 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 books are brought to you courtesy of coffee and Disney Junior.

 

You can find Genna online at:
 Website   |   Twitter   |   Facebook   |   Goodreads   |   FB Fan Page (Rulon’s Roadies)   |    Email Genna

 

For more breaking news, exclusive excerpts, and special contests, join Genna’s fan page on Facebook: 
FB Fan Page (Rulon’s Roadies)

 

Genna would love to hear from you, and will personally respond to all messages! 
You can contact her via email HERE 

 

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Keep Me Still Blog Tour

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Synopsis

Layla Flaherty had the perfect life, or close to it. Until a stranger gunned her parents down right in front of her, leaving her with seizure inducing PTSD. After years of trying to pass as normal and failing miserably, she resigns herself to being invisible. But new to town Landen O’Brien sees her, and he likes what he sees. Much to Layla’s surprise, he doesn’t freak out when she has a seizure in front of him. He does the exact opposite, calming her until the tremors subside. But Landen has secrets of his own. Secrets that both bind them together and tear them apart.  

Scarred by loss, Layla leaves her hometown of Hope Springs, Georgia, hoping to put her painful past behind her and start over in college in California. When she runs into Landen at freshmen orientation, she has a choice to make. Reinforce those steel walls she’s built up around herself or give the only boy who can keep her still a second chance.

Landen’s more than ready to tear down those walls but this time when they come crashing down, they might bury her. 

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Review

This book is by far one of the best books I’ve read in the New Adult genre. This will make my must-read list and will live on in my head and heart for a long time. It was a very emotional journey for me. For someone who is new to Caisey Quinn’s writing let me say she is truly talented. I stepped into this story and I felt every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I was infuriated…quite often, especially with the latter part of the book. I also spent a great deal of time rooting for these two broken and fragile individuals. They both went through a great deal, both carried secrets. The difficulties they faced up until their meeting is nothing in comparison to when they enter each others lives. Finding each other whether it was fate or some other force pulling them together it was truly beautiful, but it proves to be a challenge in many ways; one of the greatest challenges filled with joy and pain they never could have imagined. The truth is once I picked up this book it was incredibly difficult to set it aside. I loved every minute of this book and I had quite a few scares along the way. I will not give away any spoilers, but it is well worth the read and very much a New Adult readers dream come true. 

Layla is broken and simply living, going through the daily motions, but not truly alive, that is until she meets Landen who slowly begins to chip away the pieces of her somewhat impenetrable wall. This book goes from young, sweet and innocent love, albeit complicated to something more raw, something more vulnerable, sexy, and overall much more adult. It makes you believe in love and how powerful love can be despite the tribulations that surely follow. I am amazed at how much these two grew and the amount of strength they find to stand by one another through all the bumps along the road. This is a beautiful and moving story and I love the growth you see with each character throughout the course of the book. There are even a few secondary characters who I’m sure readers will love to know more about. Although this was my first CQ book it certainly will not be my last. I am officially a fan! I highly recommend this book and this author!

 

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Casey Quinn

About the Author

Caisey Quinn lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series as well as several New Adult Romance novels featuring country girls finding love in unexpected places. You can find her online at

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Saving Amy Blog Tour

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Synopsis

Eighteen year old Amy’s surname may be Hope, but her life contains anything but. She drinks, she sleeps around, she cuts… anything to help her escape the agonizing existence growing up between her mother’s drunken wails and her father’s fists. But nothing works. There is no escape. And Amy wants out…

Enter Richard Lewis – the doctor responsible for saving Amy’s life after her drink and drug-fuelled suicide attempt. Thanks to his own hidden demons, Richard is drawn to Amy and her situation, and despite the incessant warnings from both his own mind and his jealous ex-lover Joanna, he feels compelled to help her.

But how will Amy feel when she discovers Richard’s attachment to her is born out of his own guilt? He was her last resort – her last chance at being saved. Can anybody save Amy, or has she finally reached the end of a very long, torturous road?

(Not recommended for younger readers due to language, scenes of self-harm and sexual content)

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My Review

I’ll save you a repeat synopsis and say Saving Amy was a pretty intense read for me. It was heartbreaking and beautiful. This book has a lot of incredibly dark moments that made me fear for Amy’s life and well being. A lot of the choices she made early on shocked me, but they also let me know I was in for one hell of a ride.

Amelia Hope is all out of hope until the day she wakes up in Richard Lewis’ bed. Her world irrevocably changes from that day forward. Amy splits leaving his home and disappearing back to her hell of a world thinking she’ll never see him again. She continues on a destructive path that forces their worlds to collide.

Saving Amy isn’t just about Amy finding redemption, but Richard finding his own. Their need to save one another is where the beauty lies in this book. As hard as some moments are for each of them, they continue to find ways to help one another by offering constant support when guilt, fear or the pain of the past become too much to bear. The road isn’t easy for these two but well worth the read. Prepare yourselves for a very emotional ride. The book took a few surprising twists and turns but the end result was a beautifully put together masterpiece.

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Nicola Haken

About the Author

Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (and dog!). She is the author of two stand alone novels, Inevitable and Saving Amy, and is currently having fun working on her first series with book one, Take My Hand, to be released in October. When not reading or writing Nicola can usually be found carrying out her daily slave duties – cleaning, feeding the mob, cleaning a bit more etc… or watching The Twilight Saga for the fifty-billionth time 🙂

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Picturing Perfect Book Review

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Synopsis

Life may not turn out like we planned, but sometimes that’s what makes it perfect…

Hadley Foster has always been a planner. But, since the age of nineteen, things haven’t exactly gone according to plan… not at all. And the changes continue to mount when a trip to Europe with her best friend starts a domino effect in all aspects of her life. Suddenly, the future she had envisioned for herself seems unlikely to happen. It’s time to make a new plan… or accept the dominoes as they fall.

Jason Kelly has a great life. He’s a successful self-published writer who’s living his dreams. But, something is missing. Hadley Foster. Letting her slip through his fingers is one of his biggest regrets. Over time, he had to accept the idea of being without his first love as he watched her fall in love with someone else.

When circumstances bring Jason and Hadley back into one another’s lives, they’re forced to deal with their past, their present and the possibility of a future together.

**Note from the author: You do not need to read either Bouquet Toss or Champagne Toast to follow this story. It is a stand-alone book that connects to Champagne Toast. **

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My Review

I loved this book. From start to finish Picturing Perfect is absolute perfection. This is a story that makes you reflect on your own life, your own decisions and all the choices that led you down the path you’ve taken. It makes you wonder if true love really does exist and if that love is strong enough to withstand whatever life throws your way. Is it ever too late? The author covered some very real subject matter but did so in a way that gave you hope. Simply put, this is an exceptional book. It is well written with a great storyline and truly lovable characters. The ending leaves you completely satiated. 

This book introduces you to twenty-two year old Hadley Foster with a bang…leaving you with a looming suspicion that everything in her world is about to change, the only question is will it be for the best? 

We are introduced to two men in her life – Tucker, her boyfriend of six years and Jason Kelly…the big brother of Hadley’s best friend Auden. Jason and Hadley have a complicated relationship. They’ve longed for one another but have never acted on their obvious attraction. The tension is almost palpable when these two are in a room together. Although Hadley is now in a relationship a run in with Jason stirs a lot of old feelings and it appears Jason’s feelings mirror her own. As things in Hadley’s life become rather…errr…complicated she must make some tough decisions as she realizes her mapped out plan has taken a bit of a detour. I loved every minute of this journey with Haddie. Although she endured some pretty rough times she came through it with ease and grace. This book is a great example of how life can take you on an unexpected journey but sometimes the outcome is far greater than even your wildest dreams. A must read for all romance and new adult fans. 

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

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

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Synopsis 

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

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


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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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Pulling Me Under Cover Reveal

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Series: Pulling Me Under #1
Publication date: October 2013

Paul was Katie’s rock for thirteen years, but then she watched him die.

By day, she is left with her daughter Ella’s questions about where Daddy went, and at night she’s consumed with nightmares of the moment he died. It isn’t long before Katie’s mother hints that her volatile lifestyle and developing drinking habits are no way to raise a little girl.

Through it all, her and Paul’s best friend, Liam is there. Grieving the death of both husband and friend, the time they spend together seems more intimate these days, and Katie soon stumbles into taboo territory: Liam might be in love with her.

Torn between Liam’s feelings and losing Ella, one night Katie runs.

Air. Space. Thinking time. That’s what she thinks she’s getting when she stumbles upon that party. In the morning, in a strange bed, she can’t remember the night before.

Pulling Me Under is raw in its brutality of love and pain, with slow-building suspense to a heart-stopping conclusion.

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About the Author
 
 
Rebecca Berto is an Amazon bestselling author. She is also a freelance editor. She writes stories that are full of heart. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her stories, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She’s strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction. Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their doggy.
You can find Rebecca at:
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Love Love Book Review & Giveaway

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*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**

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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

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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?

Beth

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:
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Me Before You Book Review

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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.

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“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:

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