5 stars

REVIEW: The Last Hour by Charles Sheehan – Miles

                        The Last Hour
 
“Twenty-seven year old Carrie Thompson-Sherman has the life she always wanted: her PhD, a prestigious fellowship, and an amazing husband.

Her life begins to unravel as a jealous colleague puts her fellowship in jeopardy and a haunting secret Ray Sherman carried home from Afghanistan comes to light.

Hounded by a federal investigation and the ensuing media feeding frenzy, Carrie and Ray desperately lean on each other, until a disastrous accident puts both Ray and her sister’s lives at risk.

In the last hour, Carrie and Ray will each find themselves faced with a choice.

A choice that will change everything “



Book three in The Thompson Sisters Series pulls on your heart strings while playing a symphony of words that will touch the depths of your soul. This is truly a story like no other that I have read. It is original and different (in a good way). Charles Sheehan – Miles did and amazing job of writing a love story that gives you heart but also gives you gritty reality. Life is not peaches and cream 100% of the time and love is no different. 

 This is a different kind of love story.  Both Carrie and Ray touch each other’s life at the right moment and they both learn a little about themselves in the process.  The word soulmate was created for these two!  A devastating accident finds both characters evaluating the past to deal with the present.  I have to be honest I demanded a fellow blogger to tell me the end.  I don’t normally this but when I was well into chapter 3 I had to know because it was killing me because I was reading with a heavy heart.  Knowing allowed me to appreciate the book and keep an open mind while reading the rest of the story. 

Carrie was a wonderfully written character.  If I learned anything from the first two books I learned that the Thompson sisters are the epitome of strength.  The taste of Carrie in the first two books is nowhere near the remarkable woman presented in The Last Hour.  I look forward to seeing her grow throughout the rest of the series.  Ray’s character also spoke to me on a level like no other.  Know first hand the pain and pride that a military life creates I was able to relate to his struggle.  The courageousness that Ray encompassed was unlike anything I have read and make me want to call my father and thank him for being the solider in my life.   I found peace when I read the last words of The Last Hour.  Life is never easy but sometime you can find beauty in the pain.  This is a must read along with the first two books of the series.  Charles’ male perspective of female emotions allows a refreshing take on a modern day love story.  This story deserves a medal of honor but will have to make due with 5 stars.

About the author:




Charles has been a soldier, nonprofit executive, short order cook, IT manager and run a restaurant. He doesn’t believe in specialization. He currently works as a communications and outreach specialist for a law firm representing disabled veterans.

Charles lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife Veronica and their two children.


 
Where to find Charles:
 
 
 
 
 
Pick up the book:
 
Amazon
 
B&N




BLOG TOUR: Rock My Bed by Michelle Valentine Book Trailer, Review and Giveaways

Everything always seems to fall into place for twenty-four year-old Aubrey Jenson, except for when it comes to her luck with men. Bad boys always draw her in and crush her heart, and Black Falcon’s lead guitarist, Riff, is no exception. After sharing a few wild nights together, she leaves him behind, knowing a guy like Riff isn’t the relationship type, merely just a play thing. 


When she returns to New York, she tries to get the passion she felt in Riff’s arms out of her head by dating Isaac, a successful representative at Center Stage Marketing. Just when she thinks she’s forgotten Riff, she’s forced to see him again when her best friend, Lanie, ropes her into being a bridesmaid for her upcoming wedding to Black Falcon front man, Noel. 

Sparks fly instantly between Aubrey and Riff when they’re forced to reunite, and suddenly she finds herself caught between the man that’s good for her and the one who completely rocks her in every way.

**New Adult Romance–Book 2 in the Black Falcon series. This book can be read without reading book one.**

Pam: Hey Cris so are you ready for this? *jumping up and down* 
Cris: Really? What now Pam? I really think that you may have some issues! *folds arms and leans against the wall* 
Pam: Oh Cris! *shaking head* you know you love me and my crazy ideas! I don’t think a cross country road trip to see Black Falcon is at all crazy. We are stocked with Oreos and milk! What better way to rock out? So get your butt in the car because we have a show to catch! 
Cris: *snicker* Well we always have fun so ok let’s roll! Just don’t make me moon anyone or any other stupid ideas that may pop up in that crazy head of yours!  
Pam: You know me by now doll! Skies the limit! * cheshire cat grin* 
The car is packed and Black Falcon is turned up to an 11 on the sound system, windows down and hitting the highway 
Cris: So can we talk about the book? 
Pam: Fo sho! *passes a bag of Oreos to Cris* First Riff! Yummy! *fans face* Trust me if I got my hands on a golden ticket I would be happier than Augustus Gloop in Wonka’s Chocolate factory! 
Cris: huh! You bet! I’d kill to have that freaking ticket! LOL Im head over heels for Riff. That boy is sooo damn hot! Imagine reading the book 3 times in a row? I just can’t get enough of him. Sure we loved Noel in the first book. But Riff has gotten under my skin, it isn’t funny anymore! I’m seriously in Riff withdrawal mmm let me rephrase that…Rock My Bed withdrawal! How bout you Pam? 
Pam: I love that with Rock My Bed that we got a second look at the whole Noel and Lane story. I think that Michelle did an amazing job of pulling both stories together. I so feel in love with Riff in this story and to see his side of the Noel/Sophie issue really showed that he was a kind and loving person! 
Cris: Ditto! I love that almost everyone in Book 1 were still part of it. Michelle was able to put a spotlight for each even introducing another character, Isaac, but without overshadowing the main characters. Riff and Aubrey’s story still stood out. Both characters are so interesting to read. One is looking for love while the other is running away from it. 
Pam: He was so pained *sighs* but Michelle wrote him so endearing. It was impossible for Aubrey not to fall for him! 

Cris: His character is very complicated. He has suffered so much in the past that pushed him not to believe in love anymore. He was so broken, I wanted to hug him everytime he mentions about his past. And I guess you would agree with me that Oreos have a deeper meaning to us now. Bahaha 
Pam: HEY! There is a semi coming…ready? *the new game…air guitar truck honks! Cris puts on your best rocker performance and we are counting how many semi honks we collect* 
Cris: Really!?!?! 
Pam: Yes come on! We will never see these people again! 
I turn of the tunes and Cris is giving her best Riff while Pam is pumping a fist out the driver’s side window 
Pam: Score! Whats that 10 or 11? 
Cris: 11! Ok back to important things! 
Pam: Ok! *turns radio down* what were you thoughts on Aubrey? Both her and Riff had a lot to deal with in this book. It always amazes me that everyone no matter what your background or life style is has a personal battle that they are at odds with. 
Pam: A lot of time we spend our life running from the one thing we need the most and always try to mold to what we think is best but sadly in the end the only person we hurt is ourselves. At times I was yelling at my iPad…Really Aubrey!! He is a rock god! Get with the program! 
Cris: I agree with you there. But let’s admit that even though sometimes I wanted to kick her ass too, Aubrey’s character is irresistibly adorable. She’s not your typical female lead who has a weak character. She knows what she wants and knows how to play her game. And I loved her for that. 
Pam: Over all I think that this book far passed anything I could hope for both Riff and Aubrey! It made my heart hurt, made me laugh and just reaffirmed why we all love a bad boy rocker! *raises hands* I bow to the rocker gods! 
Cris: It may be a better idea if you keep your hands on the wheel! 
Pam: Not down for the church of Black Falcon? *laughing to the point of tears* So you tell me? What was your overall feeling about Rock My Bed? *picks up her bottle of milk as a make shift microphone for Cris* you’re live…spill it doll! 
Cris: Well I have said it and will say it again. The BEST yet so far! I loved books 1 and 2, no doubt about it! But I gotta say that Michelle has exceedingly managed to provide us with enough plot resolution and character development to make the novel satisfying in a self contained-way. This book goes to my top favorite list! And I cant wait for the next ones to be out!
Pam: Ok enough play. We have lots of miles to cover if we expect to make it to the show and we need a fill-up
Cris: *flips open an empty bag of Oreos* Make that gas and Oreos! 
Pam: Why didn’t you say so earlier? *sigh*I bet if Riff was here we would never run out of Oreos! 
Cris: Well right now we are out and unless you plan on one cranky Black Flacon fan for the rest of this trip *points to herself* you better pull this car in to the nearest 7/11. 
Pam: Well we don’t want that now do we!

5+++ FREAKING STARS!
 photo tumblr_lrha7mN13j1qme44t_zpsa6aa9df4.gif

New York Times Best Selling author Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned author of erotic romance of forthcoming novels ROCK THE HEART (2012) and ROCK MY BED (2013). Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos and sexy musicians inspired her BLACK FALCON series.

Rock My Bed on Goodreads: 
Michelle’s Goodreads Author Page: 
Michelle’s blog: 
Michelle’s Facebook Author page: 
Follow Michelle on Twitter: 
Michelle’s Amazon Author page: 
You Tube video schedule link: 
Master schedule link (to be included with your post) 
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The Final Piece by Maggi Myers

Music is a continuation of souls. It helps us heal, it helps us morn, it is there when we are sad and it is there when we are happy. Form page one of The Final Piece by Maggi Myers I knew music would be an additional character in this book, but what I didn’t expect was the very large box of tissue I would need. After reading this book I have a new found love of what a “real family” is.

“Life shouldn’t be about picking up the pieces.

Beth Bradshaw has spent her life hiding from her tragic past. From the moment a trusted family friend steals her innocence until the moment another rescues her, she struggles to just survive.

Surrounded by the comfort and protection of her extended family, Beth embarks on a journey of healing far from the horrors of her home. In her darkest moments, she meets a boy named Ryan. For one incredible summer, Ryan shows Beth what it’s like to act her own age.

To feel free and let go.
If only for a while.

Years later, another tragedy threatens to shatter the life Beth has carefully crafted. When faced, yet again, with more pieces to pick up, Beth begins to question what her choices have cost her.
Leaving her old life behind, she sets forth on a pilgrimage that will bring her back to boy she could never forget. He wants to help her pick up the pieces of her life, but is she willing to do what it takes to become whole again?

Can she trust him with a piece of herself?”

Dealing with subjects like abuse in any form is a fine line to walk and Maggi Myers was able to craft a story that shows you the tragedy along with the survival that follows. Beth is broken and the people she should turn to, her mom and dad, are not the safe haven she is looking for. It takes her extend family and some “self made” family to show her that she is important and worth the fight.

Enter Ryan! At the age of 17 most boys only care about one thing and that is not the security and welfare of a girl two years is junior. The moment Beth showed up early for her summer visit Ryan took notice of what she desired and that was trust. Ryan was the man to give it to her just that. As a survivor life is hard and Beth is learning that once love grabs hold of your heart there is no looking back.

I fell in love with Ryan from the beginning. Through this whole story I wanted to climb into my Kindle and grab both Beth and Ryan let them know that everything will be ok! Maggi created two characters that become a part of you as this story unfolds. You feel are there with them. I felt Beth’s pain and need to survive. The need to create a life you think you should live and only let a select few, if any, know the true you and Ryan wanting to step up to be the be the better man but life happens and love takes over.

Maggi thank you for a brilliant story that showed me what I have known all along…family is the anchor that holds you and allows you to live your life. I love connecting with a book and this is a book that did that not only though words but with music. So please excuse me while I head to iTunes to download the music from Maggi’s playlist for this book. I know that in the future I will be docking my iPod and playing the music that inspired this story as I re-read Maggi’s well-crafted words.

“We are all broken in one way or another. It’s how we put those pieces back together that matter.”

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover Review

Well Cris and I decided to take our reviewing skills to the beach. Why don’t you join us?

Pam- It is nice to take some time to relax. Don’t you agree?

Cris- How can I relax I just read Hopeless by Colleen Hoover!! I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest by the Salvatore brothers! Did you read it like I told you to?

Pam- I did! I have told you before that Colleen Hoover can write an instruction manual and I would give it 5 stars. This new book has a great story. Let me refresh your memory.

“Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…
That’s what Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.” (synopsis from Goodreads)

Cris- You don’t need to tell me what its about. I loved it too! The book is fictional, yes! But the plot is very believable since it was based on something which normally happens in our daily lives, and I loved how Colleen was able to build up all the characters, but hated and totally hurt to see those characters had to go through it. Wo, the after effects are still killing me!

Pam- Well after Slammed and Point of Retreat I knew that Hopeless was going to be at the top of my all-time favorite books. Sky lived a sheltered life but with help of her best friend Six, Sky is able to step out of her box.

Cris- I know! Although there were quite a few scenes when I had some difficulties understanding her but eventually loved her seeing how she was able to put down her walls and how much change she had from the beginning till the end. Then queue Dean Holder! Stop the clock!

Pam- He is dreamy and throughout the book you grow to love he more. Such a stand-up guy and so miss understood!

Cris- You don’t have to tell me twice. I think that everyone that reads this book will fall in love not only with Holder but with the story (*sigh…). Colleen Hoover has written a wonderful standalone book that complements her writing style of the Slammed series.

Pam- I total agree! I think that the fans that were drawn into the Slammed series will fall head over heals for Hopeless. Colleen Hoover has painted us a picture of the Lake and Sky and left us with Hope!

CRIS & PAM’S RATING

Blog Tour Fight With Me ~ review, sit-down with Kristen, trailer, and giveaway


CRIS & PAM’S REVIEW:


Well I couldn’t help but do it to her! I knew she would think I was crazy but I will try anything…


Cris – You brought me to a Tattoo and Piercing Parlor??? I’m not getting pierced!!!


Pam – Chill out chica!! I have a plan! Remember when you told me about that book. You know that one with the MAJOR hot guy!

Cris – Sure do! Fight With Me by Kristen Proby. It is a follow up to Come Away With Me and the second book in With Me Seattle series. Here goes the synopsis…

“Jules Montgomery is too busy and content with her life to worry about a man, especially one Nate McKenna. If growing up with four brothers has taught her anything, she knows to stay away from sexy men with tattoos and motorcycles. That goes double if he’s your boss. During the one incredible night they shared, he violated the no fraternization policy…among other things, and it won’t happen again. Jules won’t risk her career for mind-blowing sex, no matter how much her body and her damn heart keep arguing with her.

Nate McKenna could give a shit about the no fraternizing policy. He wants Jules and he’ll have her. The rules could bend around them, or be damned. He’s not a man to be taken lightly, and Jules Montgomery is about to find out just how he responds to being pushed aside after the best night of sex he’s ever had. She can fight all she wants, but he’ll have her in his bed in the end.”


Cris – Ok Pam but what does that have to do with you dragging me to a Tattoo and Piercing Parlor.

Pam – Well I read the book.

Cris – And…so did I. I told you! It was HOT! It is on the top of my book list! Nate McKenna is one of my all-time book boyfriends! A man that every woman wants!! (Thank you Kristen Proby for an ARC of this book! It made my morning after having a bad day!)

Pam – That’s why we are here don’t you see? Tattoo and piercings works for Jules so maybe if we hang around I can find me a man and then maybe I can get something pierced!?!?!

Cris – Ok I get where you want to relate to the book. I loved Jules since the first book, Come Away With Me. She’s real, fun, confident, independent…no pretensions. She follows her heart, says anything she wants to say and doesn’t really give a fuck of what other people will think or say. Having said that I love ya girl but your no Jules and I am sure Nate is NOT running around here.




Pam – I get I am not Jules! Now Nate definitely took me by surprise! He posts as a very professional and intelligent guy, but when you get to know him better, you’ll find out that there’s more to him. He’s over the top sweet, likes to cook, very protective and he definitely knows what he wants and is willing to do everything to get it! Isn’t he dreamy? Can you fault a girl for hoping? I’m not in a total dream world! Kristen had to have some truth in her story and maybe I can find some of that here!

Cris -Couldn’t agree more! Everybody knows I’m a fan of Kristen’s writing. She has a clear take on how to describe scenes in detail especially the steamy ones which would require an intricate narration. Her characters are always 99% believable and readers can easily relate to them. Saying that I really don’t think that she meant for her readers to stock local tattoo shop!

Pam -I get it! She wrote a book that grabbed my attention from the prologue and held it until the end. Jules and Nate’s chemistry is fascinating! There were moments when I caught myself smiling, laughing, crying, biting my lips and swooning! So I say again, can you fault me for wanting to try???

Cris – I guess not. I loved all the characters, from the main ones up to the supporting ones especially the whole Montgomery clan. I loved the ending; I loved every freaking thing about that book! Ok so maybe you’re not all that crazy now that I think about it! The one thing that every author wants to do is have the reader relate to their words. Now maybe Kristen didn’t think some crazy girl like you would get tatted up but I get ya!

Pam – Exactly! Now what to get pierced? Any input?

Cris – What! Your really going to do it? What are you getting?

Pam – That’s only for me and future Nate look alike to know!


Cris & Pam’s Rating:




SIT-DOWN WITH KRISTEN PROBY


The Book Avenue Review had the honor of “sitting down” with Kristen Proby to get down and dirty about what she gets down and dirty about…her books. As the world is welcoming her book Fight With Me and patiently waiting for the next in the “With Me In Seattle” series we at The Book Avenue Review just had to dig deep into that hot and steamy head of hers! Here is what she had to say…


The Book Avenue Review ~ Does the Pacific North West inspire your writing and where else have you lived? (Submitted by Carole Ronneberg)


Kristen Proby~ Hi Carole! Yes, the PNW is beautiful, fun and I love it here. It does inspire the setting of the With Me In Seattle Series. I grew up in a small town called Whitefish, Montana, and also lived for about eight years in Portland, Oregon.










The Book Avenue Review ~ What would make your top 5 book list? (Submitted by Michelina Di Campo)










Kristen Proby ~ This is a tough question, Michelina! Hmm… Okay, I’m going to narrow this down to the past year because if it were of all time, I’d have to list far more than five. 






1. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young






2. Fifty Shades Darker by EL James






3. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton






4. Taken by Kelli Maine






5. Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec






There are SO MANY books on my TBR list! I don’t read nearly as much as I used 
to.










The Book Avenue Review ~ After the “With Me In Seattle” series is done what’s next? Are you planning a different direction such as Tara Sivec did with “A Beautiful Lie”? (Submitted by Sandy Roman Borrero)










Kristen Proby ~ I’m not sure what’s coming after WMIS. I still have five books to write for this series! I’ve been tossing around the idea of writing about rock stars, or maybe another family saga set in Montana, but that’s all up in the air. I’m completely submerged in the Montgomery family!










The Book Avenue Review ~ Do you use personal experiences for your sex scenes? Do you try the fun stuff (motorcycle…)? (Submitted by Kristen Teaff)










Kristen Proby ~ Ha! Well, I don’t think it would be appropriate to go into detail on this. I think as a writer, there are certain aspects of my personal life that bleed into the story. That’s inevitable. But I have a pretty active imagination.
The Book Avenue Review ~ What was the inspiration for the characters, such as Luke and Natalie, in the “With Me In Seattle” series? Did you build off real people or were they totally fictional? (Submitted by Michelle McDonald Cammack)










Kristen Proby ~ All of the characters in this series are fictional. I have a whole bunch o’ people, who aren’t real, running around in my head.





Since the sex is so hot did you find it hard to focus on the relationship between any of the characters when a lot of the story was based on the sex?





I think that the sex enhances the relationships. In most cases, as far as I know, when people are falling in love, they have a lot of sex. Don’t they? They are learning each other, inside and out, and I hope I weave the sex in so that it compliments their story. 










The Book Avenue Review ~ What point of view will the rest of the “With Me In Seattle”? The male or female characters or will it alternate? (Cassie Fillmore)










Kristen Proby ~ I’m sure you’ve noticed that each of the epilogues in all three stories have been from the hero’s POV. I will continue that trend through the series. In future books, I may throw in a chapter here and there from the hero’s POV if I feel that we need to see what the heck he’s thinking, but the majority of the story will be from the heroine’s POV.










The Book Avenue Review ~ Do the covers reflect what your envisioned the characters to be or do you just go with what you like? Do you have a clear cut view of them in your head as you write? (Submitted by Clista Seals)










Kristen Proby ~ Aren’t my covers beautiful? I want the covers to convey the feel of the book. Unfortunately, we are limited in the photos available to use, and so I just find what I like the best and hire a cover artist to enhance it to make it special to my book. For the FIGHT WITH ME cover, Nate has short hair, but as you know, in the story his hair is long. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an option to use a photo with a long haired man, so I went with a photo that best conveyed the feel of the story, and I love the intimate feel of that cover.





Yes, I have a clear picture in my head of the characters as I write. I see what they’re wearing, the expressions of their faces, what the room looks like that they’re in. It’s very vivid in my head, and I hope I show that on the page as well.










The Book Avenue Review ~ Growing up did you always know you wanted to write? Who inspired you? (Submitted by Tess Halim)










Kristen Proby ~ Yes, I’ve always been a writer. I don’t remember a time that I wasn’t making up stories. I became passionate about writing in high school, thanks to an amazing English teacher. 










The Book Avenue Review ~ Who would you love to see play Nate and Jules on the big screen? (Submitted by Tess Halim)










Kristen Proby ~ Wow, I haven’t even given this a thought because it just seems crazy to me. Um, I don’t know. I still have a hard time finding photos of men online that do Nate justice. He’s so fabulous in my head. I haven’t found an actor that looks like him yet.










The Book Avenue Review ~ Would you let your kids read your books? (Submitted by Tess Halim)










Kristen Proby ~ Absolutely NOT! 










Thanks, everyone for your questions! And thank you, Cris and Pam, for hosting me today! I hope you all enjoy the book. 





 Happy Reading! 






Now that we have learned a little bit more about Kristen and the “With Me In Seattle” series I think it is safe to say that we will be waiting with bated breath for the next book “Play With Me”. We don’t know about you but if it is anything like the first two make room in your schedule for an uninterrupted date with Meg and Will. ~Happy reading 



BOOK TRAILER


GIVEAWAY:

The Champagne Toast Book Review

I’m not sure what I love more Melissa Browns writing or her love of 80’s movies.  I was given the gift of one of the best movie scene ever (insert one large boom box and one love sick John Cusack) in The Bouquet Toss and now I am gifted with The Breakfast Club (Sweet).  Throw in a NKOTB reference and I knew that this book had “The Right Stuff”.
In the follow up to The Bouquet Toss, The Champagne Toast brings us Evan!
“Evan Maxwell and Kate Armour fell hard and fast for each other while attending college. Their once passionate and loving relationship ended when old scars eventually tore them apart. Two years after their breakup, they’re each struggling to piece together what went wrong in an attempt to move forward.

Kate, a no-nonsense bartender, must face her past while attempting to focus on her future.
Evan is stifled by his bitter heart, which threatens each and every relationship he attempts after walking away from Kate.  Will life offer them a second chance at love or are old patterns simply too hard to break.”

Starting this book I knew that I would fall in love with Evan.  When I was introduced to him in The Bouquet Toss I knew he would be hard to forget and boy was I right.  Evan is sweet, caring, loving and attentive.  Though out his relationship with Kate love grows but its not always easy. 
When Kate entered the picture I knew that love was not going to be easy for these two.  After denying it they both fell for each other, hard.  I was drawn into this story.  Melissa Brown painted a picture with her words that shows love, pain and sorrow.  “Real love is the most possible thing in the world”.  Now I did find myself wanting to yell at my Kindle at multiple parts!  “Sweets. You couldn’t ignore me if you tried”.  If everything in life could be solved via a cheesy 80’s the world would be a better place but it is never that easy.
With a mix of well written characters and a believable story line Champagne Toast holds your attention from beginning to end.  Will Evan and Kate be able to fight the war that is love and come out on top…you will have to download your copy today to find out.  Melissa Brown did not disappoint with this follow up and this book would be a great add to your bookshelf.  For me this was a 5 star!     

Come Away With Me

“You are my now, always, forever”
-Kristen Proby, Come Away With Me
Holy Mother of Heart! This is freaking hot!!!
Are you sure it’s a debut novel Kristen Proby? Are you f*** serious? Cause it looks more like a pro to me…like someone who’s been doing it her whole life! The writing style, the flow of the story, how the characters were presented were just insanely AWESOME!
Well who doesn’t want  a happy ending? This only proves that a good book doesn’t really need a lot of complications, a whole lot of twists and turns just to satisfy the pallets of the readers. Yeah, the story was simple yet it will literally get you hooked from end to end.
The story is basically about two people who found love unexpectedly. They started out at the wrong foot, when while Natalie, a photographer by profession was taking pictures of  the beautifu scenery, was surprisingly confronted by a gorgeous, mysterious guy named Luke who mistakenly thought that she was taking pictures of him. Clearly surprised that she wasn’t, he profusely apologized and offer her out to breakfast to make it up from him being a total douche bag!
Natalie is a very strong character, she says what she wants and does what she thinks is right. She’s been through hell during her early days and those circumstances were very evident in her body, where every tattoo significantly meant something. I don’t think I have ever fallen in love this hard to any female character. Most of the times the guys get the swooning! But man! Natalie is someone you should look forward to. She’s just so irresistible and Kristen did a very good job in keeping her uniquely interesting all through out the story.
Oh, but did i mention about the hot scenes? Explicitly sexy! Airplane sex, desk sex, skinny dipping, name it and you will have it here…done in a very artistic and tasteful manner.
This book will surely satisfy your cravings for a good book, so what are you still waiting for? Go grab your copies now!

Rating:

Slammed & Point of Retreat

“Sometimes two people have to fall apart to realize just how much they belong together” 
― Colleen HooverPoint of Retreat

Tissue please! I was Totally Slammed!

Let me start with an excerpt from one of my favorite poems in the book and tell me how in the world can you not get emotional reading this?

Sometimes, life gets in your way.
It gets all up in your damn way.
But it doesn’t get all up in your damn way because it
wants you to just give up and let it take control. 
Life doesn’t get all up in your damn way 
because it just wants you to hand it all
over and be carried along.

Life wants you to fight it.
It wants you to grab an axe and hack through the wood.
It wants you to get a sledgehammer 
and break through the concrete.
It wants you to grab a torch and burn through the metal
and steel until you can reach through and grab it.
Life wants you to grab all the organized, the
alphabetized, the chronological, the sequenced. 
It wants you to mix it all together,
stir it up, blend it.

Life doesn’t want you to let it tell you that your little
brother should be the only thing that comes first.
Life doesn’t want you to let it tell you that your career
and your education should be the only thing 
that comes in second.
And life definitely doesn’t want me
To just let it tell me
that the girl I met,
The beautiful, strong, amazing, resilient girl
That I fell so hard for
Should only come in third.

Life knows.
Life is trying to tell me
That the girl I love,
The girl I fell
So hard for?
There’s room for her in first.
I’m putting her first.” 

This is when you say….ahhhhhhhh! (sigh, Laken is such a lucky girl!!!)
Definitely one of my favorite book series my  my favorite series of all time! The story line, the poetry, the heartbreaking situations and the love between the characters are just perfectly awesome! It just hits you big time! I laughed, I cried and I even ended up loving the Avett Brothers
Colleen Hoover allowed me to feel the story as if I was on their shoes. Feeling the hurt, the love, and the complications. There was even a time when I have to stop reading and was forced to put the book down so I could gather myself again. The characters and their participation in the story are very well thought off and perfectly written. I truly adore them!
I always have a soft spot for poetry and reading this book made me wish I could write and perform one, too.    Both books talked about real life situations. Its about love for the family, taking responsibilities, strong bonds of friendship, fighting for love…its about priorities, taking decisions, committing mistakes and learning from them…its about moving on and deciding when to finally stop carving pumpkins!

A butterflying-tastic book that you can’t help but fall in love with!

Rating:


– Colleen Hoover is bringing back Will and Lake
for the final installment of  Slammed Series.
watch out for This Girl, 2013!

Bared to You (Crossfire #1)


” I want there to be happily-ever-afters for the fucked-up crowd. Show me the way, Eva honey. Make me believe.”

My post Fifty Shades read and it didn’t disappoint me at all! Better written as everyone would agree, with such incredible characters and not to mention all the angsty, erotic scenes and the emotional roller coaster ride the author has promised. The twists on the characters are very well thought out and will definitely leave you wanting more and more!
The story mainly revolves around Eva Tramell, a young ad agency assistant who tries to live a normal life after a very traumatic childhood incident and Gideon Cross, the hottie billionaire who doesn’t believe in mixing sex and emotions… well, only until he met Eva. When their paths crossed, there was an undeniable connection that was so intense they couldn’t let each other go. But there’s too much baggage for both of them and they are totally screwed up! Their troubled past make them the insecure lovers they are, yet they both want each other so desperately it hurts.
Can two broken souls survive it all? Can they find their way to heal without hurting each other? Will love and sex be enough to get them through?
I really love the story from beginning to end. Not to mention how other characters were strategically placed to spice up the story. Each has its own spotlight that you can’t afford to miss!

Sylvia Day did not just tell the story, she made it come alive! 
Apart from its extra steamy and erotic scenes, i think BARED to YOU is yet another reminder that sometimes, LOVE just ain’t enough to hold a relationship together, but its bare minimum! Its a combination of LOVE, TRUST, HONESTY, COMMUNICATION, COMPROMISE and a huge amount of COMMITMENT that each party is willing to contribute.
Just like Eva and Gideon, its always a “work in progress”!
Rating: 



…just about to read Reflected in You! 
stay tuned for the review!

Beautiful Disaster

“To douchebags! he said, gesturing to Brad.  And to girls that break your heart, he bowed his head to me. His eyes lost focus.  And to the absolute fucking horror of losing your best friend because you were stupid enough to fall in love with her.” 
― Jamie McGuireBeautiful Disaster
“You know why I want you? I didn’t know I was lost until you found me. I didn’t know what alone was until the first night I spent without you in my bed. You’re the one thing I’ve got right. You’re what I’ve been waiting for, Pigeon.” 
Now tell me, how can you resist a guy like that? I can’t remember how many times I have read this book. I have even lost count the times I have marked the pages so I can easily review my favorite scenes, highlighted every crazy lines that Travis and Abby have sweetly thrown to each other.

Meet the Characters:
Abby Abernathy: a girl who was trying to leave outside the shadow of her dark past. She moved town and changed college with America, her best friend and the only person aware of her past. Not only did she witness  it, but countless times she helped Abby escaped from it.

Travis Maddox: the bare knuckle fighter who tends to sleep around with almost every woman in the campus. His irresistible charm makes them hard to say no! But he has some issues… a lot of them! He is possessive and overprotective! He had his fair share of life misfortunes and had never figured out how to cope with them. But he was the perfect match for Abby!!!
The Love – Hate Story:

Can Travis Maddox finally be tamed and be perfect enough to deserve Abby’s love? 

Can Abby manage to get through the ugly things that came between them? 

Can they both hold on to what they believed in despite the damaged pasts that have shaken them?


Crazy, exciting and insanely addictive!  The intensity and passion that Jamie McGuire has created between Travis and Abby will definitely gets right under your skin, with all those emotional and tremendous “push and pull” scenes…it will surely make your head spin!

Their relationship may not be a prime example of what most people would want to be involved with, but i found it certainly unique and inspirational. I love the idea that  LOVE can make someone want to change. It isn’t easy to change! Changing a behavior or a habit takes a lot of time, consistency and recognition. We are who we are because of how we were raised and the experiences we’ve had. So changing a person would mean a lot of compromise and negotiation.

But my lingering question was…


“how much of yourself should you change for the one you love?”

Well I guess, it’s really not about the ups and downs, its about who you ride it with that makes the whole journey worthwhile.

Rating:



…watch out for the second book , with Travis’ pov!
more exciting things to come for Walking Disaster , April 2013!!!