For Noah Sullivan being the best friend to a douchebag and player like Jake Nelson has never been easy. It’s been a rocky road since kindergarten when Jake duct taped Noah to his chair before recess. With just six weeks to high school graduation, Jake accidentally blows his drunken ass up on his grandfather’s tractor, and Noah finds himself immersed not only in a whirlwind of grief, but on a quest to find a mystery girl from Jake’s past.
While cleaning out Jake’s room, Noah and Jake’s dad make a startling discovery. Instead of the obligatory porn collection or pot stash, they find a ring, but not just any ring. Its half a carat of commitment in a platinum setting-proving even man whores have taste. After Jake’s mom pleads with Noah to find the girl who meant so much to Jake, Noah begins a modern day Grail quest to track the girl down.
Since Jake was a notorious player with a legendary collection of trophy panties, Noah finds himself in over his head. There are the usual suspects like Avery, the Ice Princess Jake dated for appearances, or Presley, the school mattress Jake dated for convenience. But the trail begins to point to the most unlikely of suspects: Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who was trying to help the unmotivated jock graduate–the girl who also has surprisingly caught Noah’s eye and meddled with his heart.
Hanging out with Maddie shows Noah a different side of Jake–one that was deeply human and surprisingly douche-free. And the more he tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, the more Noah starts to discover about himself and of love.
I thought the romance between Noah and Maddie was realistically and movingly handled. It was simple yet captivating. You can feel the chill, the pain, the awe as Noah finally admits to Maddie about the secret and his mission to find the girl who owns the ring, and how he was able to finally confess his true feelings for her. And it’s these set of emotions that keep the drama going and made my heart pulsating.
Katie Ashley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of The Proposition. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her two very spoiled dogs and one outnumbered cat. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, Shakespeare, Supernatural, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.
She spent 11 1/2 years educating the Youth of America aka teaching MS and HS English until she left to write full time in December 2012.
She also writes Young Adult fiction under the name Krista Ashe.
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.
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.
Charles lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife Veronica and their two children.
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.**
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.”
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 – 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!