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Book Review: Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2) by S.R. Grey

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Release April 27, 2014

(recommended for readers 17+ due to mature content)

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Synopsis

Can a tattooed, former bad boy leave his past behind? Can he find lasting happiness with the love of his life?
Gorgeous and sexy Chase Gartner hopes to do just that with Kay Stanton. But when Chase’s troubled teen brother, Will, stays on in Harmony Creek, Ohio—-after an unexpected arrival-—Chase and Kay’s bonds of love and commitment are soon tested.
Chase finds himself caught up in secrets—-and revisiting a past he thought he’d left behind—-when Will makes a number of irresponsible decisions. Despite Chase’s attempts to keep his brother out of trouble, Will’s reckless behavior continues, affecting not only Chase and Kay, but other residents in town…one disastrously so.
But it’s the final, potentially deadly decision Will makes when his girlfriend runs into trouble back in Las Vegas that leads Chase to make a fateful decision of his own. A choice that threatens his relationship with Kay.
Never Doubt Me is a touching, poignant story of love, redemption, and coming to grips with the fact that escaping the past is never easy.
New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. 2nd novel in the Judge Me Not series.
***warning: contains explicit sexual situations, drug use, some violence, and profanity*** 

 

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Book Review 

 

Never Doubt Me is book two in the Judge Me Not series and picks up where I Stand Before You left off. To say I am impressed with Never Doubt Me would be an understatement. This book is outstanding. S.R. Grey is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her ability to draw the reader in through her descriptive writing allows you to step into this story as though these are your friends, your family, your loved ones. The words she pens will touch you to your core. You feel the love, the anger, the passion, the fear; every emotion is carefully crafted to make you relate to the respective character and their emotions. 

 

Chase and Kay’s story continue, though there are many bumps along the road. These two continue to inspire me. Their relationship is one I will root for until the very end. Their struggles bring them closer, though there are a few secrets in Never Doubt Me, I think these two may be able to overcome every hurdle thrown their way. With the arrival of Chase’s fifteen year old brother Will, Chase and Kay’s relationship is put to the test.

 

Will shows up at his house with his sixteen year old girlfriend Cassie in tow. The two have fled Vegas to put distance between Cassie and her stepfather Paul who has continuously made advances towards her unbeknownst to Cassie’s mother. In order to protect her, Will thinks asking Chase for help is a good solution, but this only creates a number of problems leaving Chase and Kay to deal with the fallout. This book starts off rocky, but the beauty of it is the rebuilding of relationships between several key characters — Will and Chase, Cassie and her mom, Kay and her mom, and even Missy and Kay. Addiction still plays a significant role in this book and Chase is hell bent on keeping Will away from the life he has fought so hard to leave behind. 

 

This book is heavy at times, the love scenes are scorching and the relationships are equally endearing and heartbreaking. There are a few unexpected twists and turns and the book ends in a similar fashion as I Stand Before You — with you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to know what’s to come. I have hope that this story will turn out well and that the characters I’ve grown to love will find their happily ever after. I doubt their happy ending will come easy, but I can’t wait to enjoy the ride. This book is unputdownable and I am eagerly awaiting the third installment, Just Let Me Love You . I highly recommend this to all New Adult/Contemporary Romance fans. 

 

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

 

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 I Stand Before You (my review)

 

About the Author
 
S.R. Grey is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble Top 100 bestselling author. Harbour Falls, Willow Point, and Wickingham Way are novels in the completed Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy. She is also the author of New Adult novels I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) and Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2). Ms. Grey’s novels have appeared on Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller lists in multiple categories.
New novels slated for publication in 2014 are Inevitable Detour, a New Adult novel with a Romantic Suspense edge, as well as Just Let Me Love You (Judge Me Not #3).
Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, as well as an MBA. Her background may be in business, but her true passion lies in writing. When not writing, Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, or cheering for her hometown sports teams.
 
Author’s Social Media Links:
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GIVEAWAY 

 

(3) eBook copies of NEVER DOUBT ME – Gifted – International
(1)  $50.00 Amazon Gift Card (international if they can accept a gift from the US Amazon site via email)

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I Rize by S.T. Anthony Book Review

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First of all I need to acknowledge how amazing this book cover is. I ordered this book on Amazon a while back and the cover is what actually enticed me. I was curious to know what the book was about so I read the synopsis and downloaded the book. I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed this unique book. It is a very short read but it covers a very real problem today — Bullying. What I liked the most was that the author gave multiple perspectives. She went from bullied, to best friend, to parent, to love interest, to bully and back. It covered a wide range of issues that any person can relate to whether they’re fifteen or fifty. I truly loved that about this book. I spent a lot of time psycho analyzing characters because…well, that’s just something I do, but this book was written in a way where you could play devil’s advocate by understanding their own issues yet you could easily dislike them or feel absolutely no sympathy for them even through their own struggles. I’d rate this read at a 3.5-3.8. I enjoyed the style of writing as it is poetic but I would have loved a full length novel. I could actually see this YA book used in schools as a required reading. It would be a good pick. 

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Don’t Make Me Beautiful Blog Tour & Review

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Synopsis

A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL.

No one knew a woman lived there or that she even existed. A monster, living in darkness…

At twenty-six, Nicole doesn’t even look human anymore. The beast made sure of that. So she hides. A monster consigned to a life of fear and solitude. This is all she deserves, she is quite sure of that.
And then one day out of the blue, the autographed baseball caught by Brian Jensen at the latest Marlins game enters her prison and manages to turn her world completely upside down.
Temptation comes in the form of pity at first, and then perhaps something more.
Does she dare to believe the things she’s told, that this is not the life she was meant to live? That being a monster is not her forever-fate? And will she be willing to risk everything, to reach out and accept the helping hands around her? She knows only too well that hands can hurt. Finding out whether they can also heal is a risky proposition, especially when the beast is still out there. Looking for her.

**This story was inspired by true events. If you liked the movie “Sleeping With the Enemy”, then you might like this story too. CONTENT WARNING: Violence, foul language, and adult situations. Intended for mature readers 17+** 

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Don’t Make Me Beautiful Book Review 

This book is scary. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s scary because it is such a real and normal part of what occurs in society, so frequently, that people turn a blind eye to just how awful some people have it. Domestic abuse/abuse is a very serious and very real problem for men, women and children in our society. This book sheds light on a brutal but harsh reality for some. This book took a toll on me emotionally since I have worked closely with people who have had similar experiences. Reading this book brought a lot of memories to the surface. Some harsh realities and even a sense of pride in those who fight back, rebuild and reclaim their lives. For some that never comes but for those who get there it is a monumental achievement. I was an advocate for survivors such as Nicole so I was able to read this book free of judgment, something that doesn’t come easy for most. Experiences like Nicole were more extreme than most but there are so many that deal with abuse like this. It’s not as simple as it looks to leave and it is usually something that someone has experienced over the course of many years which allows them to continue on as though this were life. Abuse of this magnitude is not easy to endure. Oftentimes people are too quick to judge without knowing the entire story so when I read this book. I sincerely read it. I looked past the preconceived notions and threw out the judgment and read the story of a woman who was badly broken but tried to survive.

For many people, it’s hard to understand the reasons why someone would remain in an abusive environment/household. The problem is, most times these survivors are doing exactly that – trying to survive. In many ways Nicole was a survivor, she had a lot of bad things happen to her at a young age. She was nineteen when she met John and he promised her the world. He tore her down and programmed her to think in a manner that suited him. He kept her prisoner and made her believe herself so ugly and worthless that no one would care if she lived or died.  The mentality of the abuser is always one of control. John wanted control and he only wanted to possess Nicole as an object, he never wanted to love her or be loved. People like John are incapable of such emotions.  It’s about power and control, not love.

I really fell in love with this book. The author states it was inspired by a true story and the fact is, this happens all too often and not enough people are voicing these problems. She took something that I see as controversial and heart wrenching and found the beauty in the beast. I loved that she was able to paint a vivid and scary world yet fill it with beauty and love. It is inspiring. 

So, what can I say about the book….a whole hell of a lot as I’ve made clear (see above ^ lol)

Nicole (aka Briana – you’ll need to read to learn why…hehe…I know I’m evil) has been brutalized beaten and turned into a monster. She’s permanently disfigured from years of being battered by her boyfriend John. When a baseball goes through her window and a little boy named Liam comes to reclaim it, Nicole has no idea her life is about to change. Brian, Liam’s father is a stand up man. He has integrity and teaches his son the same. When his son’s baseball crashes through the neighbor’s window, Liam is marched over to apologize while Brian, his father offers to pay. John, Nicole’s boyfriend pretends that it’s no big deal but inside he’s fuming. When the two leave, John beats Nicole senseless that night…Brian feels something is off with John and returns to John’s home in hopes of speaking with the elusive “wife.” He gets more than he bargained for and Nicole gets the break of her life…but can someone like Brian ever love someone as deformed as Nicole? Can he look past the outer appearance and see what’s inside? 

The best part of this book for me is the valuable lessons it teaches the reader. Beauty truly is skin deep and someone who loves you…truly loves you will be able to look past any outward flaws and see into your heart…completely. Brian is a solid human being. He is a living, breathing example of how all humans should strive to be. He is a man of integrity and while Nicole can’t believe the reality of her situation since he entered her life, this is what and whom she truly deserves. Brian vows to do all he can to protect her and help her get her life back from the vile creature that stole it. The only problem is, will she let him?

The abuse/violence in this book is awful but it is equally beautiful in it’s romance. Brian, Nicole, Liam, Agnes and even Helen were all lovable characters. Each plays a key role in Nicole’s healing process. I highly recommend this book – especially for women. I think it is important for everyone to understand how bad it can get and how easily someone (man/woman/child) can fall prey. I give this book 5 resounding stars for it’s power and honesty. It had me hooked from start to finish! 

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

 

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ellecaseyAbout the Author

New York Times Best-Selling author Elle Casey is an American girl living in southern France with her husband, three children, and several furry creatures. She writes in a variety of genre including YA Fantasy, YA Action/Adventure, New Adult Romance, and Adult Contemporary Romance. She’s a little on the wild side, usually busy making people laugh, and always in the mood for adventure. There’s not much in this world that she loves more than reader interaction, so feel free to drop her a line.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Wattpad

 

 

Giveaway

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Painted Boots by Mechelle Morrison Tour

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 Synopsis

When her father drags her to a new life in Wyoming, Aspen Brand doesn’t expect to fall for a cowboy named Kyle Thacker—but she does. At seventeen, Aspen and Kyle share unexpected ground: guitar, running, physics. And guilt. Aspen blames herself for her mother’s car accident, while Kyle can’t find a way past his brother’s suicide.
On their first date they open up to each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. But Kyle has spent two years living with a vicious secret—one his ex-girlfriend will do anything to protect—and sharing his truth with Aspen makes her a target. Now if Kyle is to be her love story, Aspen must first win the fight of her life. 

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Giveaway

Up for grabs:
2 Signed Copies of Painted Boots
3 ebook copies of Painted Boots

 

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My Review

Painted Boots is a sweet book with some painstakingly frightening moments.

Aspen Brand’s father uproots their life and heads to Wyoming to start fresh after the loss of his wife, Maddy, Aspen’s mother. While Aspen is grieving her father also struggles with the loss of his beloved wife. He’s lost without her and navigating his role as a parent isn’t easy. He loves Aspen fiercely but it seems his wife was their anchor. She was the glue that held them together.  Although this book has a beautiful romance. I loved the dynamic between the parents and the children. I would’ve liked to know more about the parents pasts and their own stories…perhaps in another book (hint hint Mechelle lol)

Aspen’s first day at her new school starts off on the wrong foot. She encounters a group of girls and acknowledges them kindly only to be met with sneers and rude comments. She notices Kyle Thacker immediately, she’s drawn to him and she wants to know more about him, but Em Harrelson, his ex girlfriend wants no part of it. She’s determined to keep Kyle at any cost and if she has anything to say about it Aspen won’t be on his radar. Em’s efforts borderline obsessive and downright terrifying at times. Kyle wants nothing to do with her but she won’t leave him alone. Kyle has a secret one he’s afraid to share with anyone, until Aspen. She has breathed life into his world again. He opens himself up to her and opens his heart but after sharing this secret he fears for her own safety. 

This book covers a really serious topic but one that generally doesn’t get presented in such a harsh, violent manner — bullying. Em Harrelson is probably the meanest of the mean girls. She’s downright mental but Kyle and Aspen cling to one another as they open up and share their secrets hoping that Em will allow them a happy ever after. Aspen and Kyle’s story is inspiring and truly beautiful. I loved the honesty between these two. Their relationship, though they are young is a relationship many people search a lifetime for. It is a sweet story but their are some alarmingly violent moments that shake you to your core. I felt for Aspen and Kyle but I also felt for their parents. The parents who were so very supportive and loving throughout everything both their families had endured. This was a good read especially if you’re a fan of cowboys. 

I’d recommend this book for those interested in mature Young Adult books. 

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

Buy Painted Boots for Kindle  |  Nook  |  Kobo  | Paperback

 

M MorrisonAbout the Author

Mechelle Morrison loves language–she’s always wished she could speak and write them all. She lives for chocolate, lazy summer days, spontaneously funny things . . . and family. She’s sort of scared of dogs.

When she’s not reading or writing or wandering the world, she can be found in her backyard in Utah with her husband, their daughter and the bevy of quail that live behind their garage.

If she didn’t write she’d make stop-motion animation shorts. So she does that anyway. 

Website  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads 

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