Showing posts with label favorite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorite. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2015
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
{Review} Nowhere but Here by Renee Carlino
A Chicago reporter in her mid-twenties unexpectedly finds love in Napa Valley when she’s assigned to spend a week with a famously reclusive genius.
Kate Corbin has lost her spark. From the outside, her life seems charmed. She has a handsome, long-term boyfriend and a budding journalism career at a popular Chicago newspaper. But in reality, her relationship is going nowhere, and she’s quickly losing motivation for what she once believed was her dream job. When her boyfriend dumps her unceremoniously, Kate loses all hope of finding love.
With no living family and few friends, Kate confides in her boss. Trusting that the hungry, ace reporter is buried somewhere deep inside, he gives Kate the opportunity to jumpstart her career. The assignment: to interview the famously reclusive R.J. Lawson, a wealthy tech genius who disappeared years ago but recently reemerged as a Napa Valley vintner. The week takes an unexpected turn, however, when Lawson refuses to divulge any information. Desperate for a lead, Kate turns to Jamie, a vineyard hand who shows her the romance of wine country—and stirs her aching heart. But his connection to Lawson is ambiguous, and when Jamie disappears before the end of the week, Kate is left to investigate another story: the truth behind the man who stole her heart.
Kate Corbin has lost her spark. From the outside, her life seems charmed. She has a handsome, long-term boyfriend and a budding journalism career at a popular Chicago newspaper. But in reality, her relationship is going nowhere, and she’s quickly losing motivation for what she once believed was her dream job. When her boyfriend dumps her unceremoniously, Kate loses all hope of finding love.
With no living family and few friends, Kate confides in her boss. Trusting that the hungry, ace reporter is buried somewhere deep inside, he gives Kate the opportunity to jumpstart her career. The assignment: to interview the famously reclusive R.J. Lawson, a wealthy tech genius who disappeared years ago but recently reemerged as a Napa Valley vintner. The week takes an unexpected turn, however, when Lawson refuses to divulge any information. Desperate for a lead, Kate turns to Jamie, a vineyard hand who shows her the romance of wine country—and stirs her aching heart. But his connection to Lawson is ambiguous, and when Jamie disappears before the end of the week, Kate is left to investigate another story: the truth behind the man who stole her heart.
My Thoughts
So this review is long overdue. I sat here and wrote this review a million times and then deleted it a million and one times because I haven't been able to get it right. I was having a hard time on what I wanted to say and how much I wanted to give away to the plot and if people would stone me alive if I gave a small but big plot point to this story away. It has been nerve-wracking but now I am just going to write and hope it make sense and hopefully nobody will want to stone me to death!
This book spoke to me on a much more personal level than most books do. I mean, lets be real here, there are a lot of books that "speak" to me but this one... this one, was different because of Jamie.
Now, I won't say what about Jamie that spoke to me on a personal level, you will have to read it for yourself to figure it out, but just know, a lot of what Jamie said in the story felt like he was personally talking about me. To me... through me. He took a lot of my feelings towards certain situations and certain events and explained it how I would have. The feelings, thoughts, how your body feels, everything was explained perfectly and I fell so hard for the story because of the true descriptions and research.
A book that is thoroughly researched and not just bullshitted is a winner, in my opinion, and this one was definitely a winner!
The story, other than with just Jamie personally, was deep and what true love stories are about. A soul touching love that nothing can compete with or touch. An experience that most spend their lives searching for and never experience for themselves. It was also believable because lets face it, some romance stories are amazing but are a little farfetched, but this one I could feel and I experienced right along with these characters.
Of course there were times I was frustrated with Kate and wanted to shake some sense into her because she was being outrageous. And then there were other times I could understand where she was coming from. It was a delicate balance that never fell on one side more than the other.
There were elements that seemed so Renee like in this story. A theme I have noticed with her stories, usually dealing with older, wiser people giving the most remarkable advice about love and life in general. In Sweet Thing there was Martha and in Nowhere but Here there were actually a few wise people who gave Kate advice when she needed to hear it the most. There was also angst, surprises that you may or may not see coming, and then of course appearances from Will and Mia that make your heart swoon.
I can see this novel turned into a movie that is set in Tuscany with beautiful scenery and an epic romance that people can feel through the screen! It portrays so many emotions that a film exec would be stupid not to evoke them on screen.
It was beautiful and a beautiful story deserves 5 "I love this freaking story" stars!!
Check it out for yourself:
Thursday, March 13, 2014
{Review} Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
(Vilma's Book Blog designed the banner.. check out her awesome page here: VBB)
Includes a free original soundtrack by musician Griffin Peterson.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.
At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.
Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…
From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, This Girl, and Losing Hope, Maybe Someday is destined to become another bestseller and long-lasting fan favorite
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.
At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.
Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…
From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, This Girl, and Losing Hope, Maybe Someday is destined to become another bestseller and long-lasting fan favorite
My Thoughts
Dear Colleen Hoover,
You. Are. Amazing!
I didn't think I could love a book more than Hopeless and Losing Hope and then you create an experience like Maybe Someday and I am literally at a loss for words... I say an experience because Maybe Someday is more than just a book that I picked up and read, it's an experience that embedded itself into my heart and soul and when I came out on the other side, I was ripped to shreds, but God, it felt so good.
I felt every emotion these characters felt.
I was in knots, insanely sad, heartbroken, satisfied, thrilled, excited... I was living this book alongside these characters and just when I couldn't take much more, I took a chapter break. I needed a time out because the tears weren't allowing me to see the pages. With my vision blurry, my heart aching, I was cussing you out for being such an evil creative genius. I am so glad you decided to publish a book to give to your family for Christmas because without doing that, you would have done the world a severe disservice!
I loved each and every character in this book. I fought alongside Ridge and Sydney, I was laughing and joking with Warren and Bridgette. I wanted to put Maggie inside my pocket and protect her from the evil that was bestowed upon her but at the same time ,I wanted the other situation to work out the way I wanted it to, too.
I really didn't think this book was going to turn out the way it did, I wasn't expecting it. I tried to stay away from teasers and other reviews of this book because I wanted my mind completely blank before diving in. I had the gist of what this book was going to be about and my gist was wrong because it was just so much more than what my mind could ever have conjured. I honestly wish I would have waited to listen to the soundtrack so I could have experienced the songs for the first time through Ridge and Sydney.
With that being said, when I threw on my headphones, closed my eyes, and listened to the words that were being sung to me... I never experienced anything like it!
Of course I listen to music while I am reading or heck even while writing reviews, but having the songs being sung while reading them on the pages, took it to a whole other level of genius.
I could shut my eyes and listen to every song on this soundtrack and know what the characters were doing, what they were thinking, what they were feeling and I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
I am in serious awe of it all.
You, my dear, alongside Griffin, created something that people are going to experience for a lifetime and I am so glad I got to experience it myself, because it was remarkable! I hope you understand and know how extraordinary your talent is because not many people can even hold a candle to you and I look forward to more from you in the future.
Love,
The Book Trollop
P.S... To anyone reading this weird review/letter to CoHo, I would advise you to do what I did and put your headphones on, drown out the world, and experience these songs through the eyes of Ridge and Sydney but make sure you have your tissues and chocolate ready because you WILL need them!
P.P.S~ I really liked that March 18th date... really clever to have it fall where it did... ;)
As if you guys had any doubts, I give this book 59298439208432908484390 stars!!! I am making numbers up because 5 stars is just not enough for my favorite book of 2014, so far (because I am sure Ugly Love will be another winner for me as well)...
BUY THIS BOOK ASAP...
Here is the pre-order link to Amazon:
Monday, February 17, 2014
{Review}{Giveaway} The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons
Blog Tour Stop
2/17/14
The Deep End of the Sea
by
Heather Lyons
What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?
Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.
But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.
Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.
But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.
My Thoughts
I would like to start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE Greek Mythology!! I have been obsessed with it since I was in middle school and learned about all the fuckedupness that goes on in Olympus! Of course, in middle school, I really didn't understand everything that was going on but I was obsessed nonetheless. Now that I am older, I can appreciate the going ons in Olympus, while also cringing at the sexual relations...aheeemm...
So when I found out that not only did Heather Lyons have an obsession with Greek Mythology too but was also writing a book about Medusa... to say I was excited would be an understatement!!! I was freaking the freak out!!
But she also decided to do something different with Medusa's story. She changed the whole dynamic of Dusa's character by changing her story from monster to misunderstood woman with a heart of gentleness, not wickedness...
I was a little nervous, I have to admit, because I didn't know how I was going to take this new and improved monster. In my mind, Medusa was full of hate and vengeance, not love and compassion, so changing my thought process was a little hard for me to comprehend... that is, until I started reading The Deep End of the Sea and Heather made it so much easier for me.
Medusa is a monster that people do not understand. Most people are kept away from her personal island because Poseidon is a jealous asshole that keeps people away at all cost. She has one Godly friend, Hermes, and one human friend who happens to have the convenience of being blind so Medusa's curse doesn't bother him. Of course the whole turning people into stone would make her want to keep her distance too.
Dusa is not happy on this secluded island, who would be happy living on an island with only occasional conversations and internet shopping.. It would get old pretty fast (even though I threaten to move to my own island when my spawn and husband are driving me absolutely crazy).... She is missing out on really living, loving, being loved in return, and actually experiencing life as it should be experienced.
Heather does change the mythology a little bit, it is not the exact same as the stories that I have been taught but it is still an incredible story with Godly characters and even an appearance of Death!! Which was an unexpected surprise to say the least...
Medusa learns about herself in this story. She grows from a timid monster and changes into another person by the end that is hardly recognizable from the character who was introduced in the beginning. Hermes helps Medusa not only love herself but accept love in return. Showing her that people could love the monster her and the real her.
"Love makes every misery, every struggle, every moment of life worth it"
Now, I won't go into toooo much detail about this story because that's not fair to all of you who have not read it yet. You need to experience it for yourself and see why I went bat shit crazy for it. Because I promise, if you love a great greek mythology story with lots of angst, love, sexiness, fuckedupness, Gods who remind you of Chris Hemsworth... then you will go bat shit crazy for this book too!! Hell, even if you don't really care for greek mythology, you will still love this story because it speaks to your soul on so many different levels.
It teaches you about love in all forms. Not to judge people based on looks. How monsters come in many different forms and the ones that look like the devil, may actually be an angel in disguise. Friendship. The love of family. The power of love and acceptance.
Heather is an incredible author with passion that you can just feel by reading her books. I never really know where her stories are going to take me, but when I finish I realize that I am starting to ripen, my clothes are a mess, and I don't remember the last time I put something in my mouth to nourish my body. Her stories literally take me to another world and I never want to leave...EVER. This one was no different and if at all possible, it was worse, because I did not stop reading until I was completely done and then I went back and reread parts that just stuck out to me.
This story has it all and I absolutely loved it... Was in love with it and I may be a little in love with Heather at this point in our relationship ;)...
If you have not stopped reading this review by now and gone to purchase this book, then you need to do that NOW..... No really... You need to carry your ass to buy this book NOW!!!
I give this book an amazing 5/5
I <3 Hermes Stars and if you want your own copy, link is below!!!
A song that reminded me of Medusa while I read <3
About Heather Lyons:
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.
Links:
Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
THE DEEP END OF THE SEA Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/
GIVEAWAY
Friday, November 22, 2013
{Review} Sex Snob by Elizabeth Hayley
Initial reaction to SS:
Just finished Sex Snob ARC and abso-fucking-lutely, LOVED it!! I feel like the authors just wrote a book about me...
Just finished Sex Snob ARC and abso-fucking-lutely, LOVED it!! I feel like the authors just wrote a book about me...
The main character is blunt, honest, sarcastic and one horny ass woman...
I mean the chicks name is Amanda, thats close enough to Autumn...right??
;)
Sex Snob is a spin-off of Pieces of Perfect but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Twenty-nine year old wild, carefree, and brutally sarcastic Amanda Bishop thought her three rules for dating would weed out unworthy suitors. And they did. Until she met Shane Reed, her smart-ass, sexy-as-sin CrossFit coach who pushes all her buttons. He’s the man she loves to hate. But when the hate begins to ebb away, and is replaced by feelings she can’t handle, Amanda hides behind her rules. Will the electric chemistry she feels with Shane allow her to get beyond a painful past, or will she push him away with her rules? Rules that make her the ultimate Sex Snob
Twenty-nine year old wild, carefree, and brutally sarcastic Amanda Bishop thought her three rules for dating would weed out unworthy suitors. And they did. Until she met Shane Reed, her smart-ass, sexy-as-sin CrossFit coach who pushes all her buttons. He’s the man she loves to hate. But when the hate begins to ebb away, and is replaced by feelings she can’t handle, Amanda hides behind her rules. Will the electric chemistry she feels with Shane allow her to get beyond a painful past, or will she push him away with her rules? Rules that make her the ultimate Sex Snob
My Thoughts
"Sometimes a girl just needs a good, hard spanking to clear her mind"
As I sit here sucking on my GoGurt (no, that was not a euphemism, I really like these fuckers, plus I don't have to dirty a spoon because I'm a lazy asshole) and thinking back to what I truly loved about this book, I really can't pinpoint just one thing.
It was laugh your ass off funny, sarcastic, sexy as fuck, sweet with a great storyline, and it was executed well.
And did I mention, hot sex WITH a Crossfit instructor??
NO, well...
Yeah it's in there and my panties were drenched from the beginning to end. The damn anticipation of waiting for them to DO IT was killer and I think that is what made me love it even more.
Anticipation, for me, is what really gets me riled up!
Amanda Bishop (Aka Autumn... ok maybe not but I'd still like to think so), was treated like shit by her former EX lover and since then, she built a wall around her heart. Vowing to never date anyone else that was like her EX, she creates rules that keep men at arms length.
That didn't mean she wouldn't fuck them, that just meant she wouldn't get attached.
She was that afraid of being hurt again.
That is until the always sexy, smart, and fuckable Crossfit trainer, Shane stepped into the picture and she was doomed.
Not really, she fought it every step of the way and the insults she threw at Shane were hilarious, pee yourself, funny!
But what she was really doing was using humor and insults to ignore the sexual attraction because Shane did not fit the mold for the rules she set for herself.
"I leaned in close, "Of the fact that I wouldn't even fuck you with someone else's pussy""
See, I debated whether or not to tell you guys these rules but I think you need to experience them yourself by reading this book. So I am going to keep my mouth shut (well besides eating this gogurt because its delicious and my daughter will be pissed I'm eating them haha double score for mom of the year).
But in the end, Amanda had to find out for herself whether or not rules are meant to be broken. Even if that meant her heart might be shattered once again. She had to be willing to take that leap of faith and find out for herself if throwing caution to the wind is worth that one person who can make you feel complete.
Or she was going to spend the rest of her life putting sex toys in her hair ;).
"Eventually, you have to become a big girl and choose more meaningful aspirations. But I clearly wasn't ready to be a big girl."
Seriously amazing story, that had the right amount of funny, seriousness, sexy, and sex. The characters were well-rounded and enjoyable. The antics were just as hilarious and I need to find these authors in real life because I have a feeling we would have an amazing time together. Just no bars with decks ok? I don't think I can swim while intoxicated.
Can't wait to read more from these two amazing authors because I know I am in for a good time, laughs, and possible B.O.B time if the husband is not around.
As you can tell I LOVED this story and I think you need to read it for yourself.
I give this book a 5/5 and if you want to meet Shane and Amanda, then click the link below....
Thursday, October 24, 2013
{Review}{Teaser} Running in Place by L.B Simmons
What can I say...
I love a good book with damaged characters who eventually find themselves and can be realistic at the same time!
Running in Place had all of that for me...
plus some pretty sweet lyrics that made me swoon!
I love a good book with damaged characters who eventually find themselves and can be realistic at the same time!
Running in Place had all of that for me...
plus some pretty sweet lyrics that made me swoon!
****NA Contemporary Romance, can be read as a stand alone. Due to theme of Child Abuse, Explicit Language, Mild Violence, and Sexual Situations - Recommend Readers 18+******
Tatum O’Connell:
Some call me a party girl. People see me as happy, full of life, with absolutely no cares in the world. They see what I want them to see. But no one knows me - really knows me. Not even Noah Reese. Mr. Perfect is always watching me, most likely judging every single imperfect thing I do. But, if Noah wants to keep an eye on me, that’s just fine. I definitely don’t mind. I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to save me, he will have to see me…
And I’m never going to let that happen.
Noah Reese:
Perfect. That’s me. That’s the only acceptable way to be, according to my father. Perfect grades. Perfect manners. Perfect athlete. Perfect SAT scores. Perfect college. And recently, I was accepted into the perfect med school. My future has already been mapped out for me and there’s nothing that can change that. Not even Tatum O’Connell. That girl is out of control, yet for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my distance from her. I watch her closely, hoping that one day she’ll let me in, but watching her lead her life down the dangerous path she’s on right now isn’t easy…
I have a feeling I’m about to find myself swept away by the hurricane that is Tatum O’Connell.
“Two fleeting souls,
Unknowingly tethered.
Too slowly drawn,
Impatient fate calls.
The jolting collide intertwines their lives
And splinters their walls.”
“Catalyst” – Noah Reese
Tatum O’Connell:
Some call me a party girl. People see me as happy, full of life, with absolutely no cares in the world. They see what I want them to see. But no one knows me - really knows me. Not even Noah Reese. Mr. Perfect is always watching me, most likely judging every single imperfect thing I do. But, if Noah wants to keep an eye on me, that’s just fine. I definitely don’t mind. I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to save me, he will have to see me…
And I’m never going to let that happen.
Noah Reese:
Perfect. That’s me. That’s the only acceptable way to be, according to my father. Perfect grades. Perfect manners. Perfect athlete. Perfect SAT scores. Perfect college. And recently, I was accepted into the perfect med school. My future has already been mapped out for me and there’s nothing that can change that. Not even Tatum O’Connell. That girl is out of control, yet for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my distance from her. I watch her closely, hoping that one day she’ll let me in, but watching her lead her life down the dangerous path she’s on right now isn’t easy…
I have a feeling I’m about to find myself swept away by the hurricane that is Tatum O’Connell.
“Two fleeting souls,
Unknowingly tethered.
Too slowly drawn,
Impatient fate calls.
The jolting collide intertwines their lives
And splinters their walls.”
“Catalyst” – Noah Reese
My Thoughts
This book made me pay attention from the very beginning and I could not put it down until I was done with the last page.
It was so moving and yet so realistic that I could believe it happened to someone..
This book starts off with Tatum's letter to her father and with a beginning like that, I was immediately sucked in. It was heart wrenching and emotional. I was heartbroken for this poor little girl who had to suffer by the hands of her mother.
Then we get Noah's POV and I realized right off how talented he was as a lyricist and I was sucked into his story as well. I did get a sense of him being a little damaged too and it was not until later that I saw why.
This story is great because it is not the normal romantic story... It is but it isn't... I didn't exactly know what was going to happen and Simmons does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing, wondering, and hoping that it will turn out like you want.
Two broken people finding themselves amongst the daily life obstacles, learning to live, be free, grieving, and learning to forgive the people who provoked major damage on their souls. It was beautiful but angsty enough to give drama but not too much where I was under a constant wave of despair, just waiting to get out of it. And the sexual tension was almost too much but the build up is worth it.
Amazing balance!
I cried on multiple occasions, felt my heart being stabbed repeatedly but was also laughing and falling in love with these characters, while they were falling in love with each other.
These characters are strong but need a little convincing that they are and the journey they take to find themselves is beautiful and heartwarming.
I give this book a 5/5 and if you have read the other stories by this author then know that this book is even better. I loved Running on Empty and Recovery novella but Running in Place is by far my favorite by this author <3
Then we get Noah's POV and I realized right off how talented he was as a lyricist and I was sucked into his story as well. I did get a sense of him being a little damaged too and it was not until later that I saw why.
This story is great because it is not the normal romantic story... It is but it isn't... I didn't exactly know what was going to happen and Simmons does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing, wondering, and hoping that it will turn out like you want.
Two broken people finding themselves amongst the daily life obstacles, learning to live, be free, grieving, and learning to forgive the people who provoked major damage on their souls. It was beautiful but angsty enough to give drama but not too much where I was under a constant wave of despair, just waiting to get out of it. And the sexual tension was almost too much but the build up is worth it.
Amazing balance!
I cried on multiple occasions, felt my heart being stabbed repeatedly but was also laughing and falling in love with these characters, while they were falling in love with each other.
These characters are strong but need a little convincing that they are and the journey they take to find themselves is beautiful and heartwarming.
I give this book a 5/5 and if you have read the other stories by this author then know that this book is even better. I loved Running on Empty and Recovery novella but Running in Place is by far my favorite by this author <3
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
{Review}{Giveaway} Beyond Fate by Heather Lyons
Oh, be still my heart...
There are always two sides to every story . . .
His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.
Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.
* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella.
His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.
Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.
* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella.
My Thoughts
This book was a novella, so this review is going to be a little shorter than normal...
It is no secret that I absolutely ADORE the Fate Series by Heather Lyons, I talk about these books a LOT on my FB page and I am even apart of the street team
(this in no way influence my reviews, I am completely honest with them)
I loved A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart, they are just so unique with the paranormal aspects.
The books have everything from elders to Greek God references, while the story just sucks you in and takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride.
You will never see what is coming next.
The characters are so well developed that YOU feel every emotion they are feeling and YOU feel torn, like YOUR heart is bursting from all the angst.
Seriously, phenomenal writing and story telling!!
Which leads me into this sweet little novella, that I would like to call the
"soul crushing novella".
This novella takes place during A Matter of Fate and instead of being inside Chloe's head, we are inside the mind of beautiful, sweet, Jonah.
Jonah, OH JONAH, is one half of a twin set and not only is his brother his identical twin but they have freaky twin powers and no I will not go over the powers they have because that takes all the fun out of it.
Jonah has a Connection, this Connection is with Chloe Lilywhite.
This connection is like completing the other half of you, soul mates if you will...but better.
ahhh but this connection happens to be the best/worst thing that could happen to Johah.
You might ask WHY this connection could be the WORST??
.. well..you will have to read the first book to find this out..
I won't giveaway the secrets..
Throughout this novella, I get to see what Jonah went through in A Matter of Fate.
The pain, anguish, tears, fury.. All of it.. and trudging through, I am gutted from deep within my soul because I feel it too, I FEEL IT TOO!!
I am blaming Fate and her cruel sense of humor, my heart aches for these fictional characters and I don't care who knows it..
Jonah.. sweet, sweet, Jonah.
I am sorry I ever thought Chloe belonged to that other guy because honestly she was yours, FIRST and I hope you end up with her after all this madness is over!!
And Fate needs to stop being a bitch....
Ok there, I said it!!!!
They need a break, a HUGE break and a happily ever after...
all of them!
phewww ok, now that I got that off my chest....
I give this novella a 5/5 because I <3 Jonah and this author produces amazing tales that take you to places you never could have imagined!!! If you have read A Matter of Fate, I would pick up this novella because it is FAB!
If you have not read A Matter of Fate then you need too ASAP!!
<3 Here is a little teaser for all you Book Trollops and Fate Series Lovers <3
Check out this giveaway...
About Heather Lyons:
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.
Links:
Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
BEYOND FATE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather
Thursday, September 26, 2013
{Review} Arsen by Mia Asher
I have to start off by saying I was not going to review this book, I was just going to read it and see what everyone was talking about..
I was WARNED, I was FREAKING WARNED that this book would kill little pieces of me before the end and I didn't listen, I was like ehhh I am sure it won't be THAT bad but it was, it totally was...
Here is my review for:
One glance was all it took…
I'm a cheater.
I'm a liar.
My whole life is a mess.
I love a man.
No, I love two men…
I think.
One makes love to me. The other sets me on fire.
One is my rock. The other is my kryptonite.
I'm broken, lost, and disgusted with myself.
But I can't stop. This is my story.
My broken love story.
I'm a cheater.
I'm a liar.
My whole life is a mess.
I love a man.
No, I love two men…
I think.
One makes love to me. The other sets me on fire.
One is my rock. The other is my kryptonite.
I'm broken, lost, and disgusted with myself.
But I can't stop. This is my story.
My broken love story.
MY THOUGHTS
I am still in a book fog because of this book and I do not know which way I want to go with this review..
I loved this book, I HATED this book and I have no IDEA what to rate it..
Do I rate it 5 because the writing was THAT good?? DO I rate it less because the subject matter was unsettling and I HATED the main character???
I. HAVE. NO. IDEA
So I am going to tell you everything that I thought about this book instead..
Cathy, is a woman who is very lost, depressed because she can't do something that most woman can and it eats her alive.
Instead of talking about it, she keeps it buried deep within her soul. This thing becomes an entity of itself, blackens her soul and takes on a life of its own.
She starts to feel black, she gives up, she doesn't want to face it anymore and she's just broken. Her spirit crushed by each aching pain inflicted and she's buried deep within the blackness..
Her husband, her beautiful angel of a husband, Ben is trying so hard to keep her above the surface of the blackness that has consumed her soul but he is losing this battle and she is slipping further and further away from him. With each missed call, text, lonely night spent alone because she was "busy"... pieces of him start to die too.
They are broken..
“I am sorry. I am so fucking sorry for not being able to give you... but you are enough. You are more than enough for me. You’re my fucking world, babe. And I need you back. Please stop shutting me out, I can’t take it anymore........
Own me, fill me, break me, repair me, complete me. Do whatever you want to me. Just stay with me. I need you. I need to be able to live. I need my life back, I need you back.”
Arsen.. oh sweet, beautifully broken Arsen has his own demons to fight and he thinks helping to fix Cathy's will help to heal him too or that they can heal each other.. He takes what isn't his to take, offers things he should not offer and then when he gets what he wants he does what he always does and screws it up.
Cathy cheats over and over again with Arsen and she doesn't feel guilty, she cannot be made to feel guilty because she is finally feeling something other than blackness. She is being carried to the surface a little bit at a time, every time she is with him.
It's like she can breathe, live, and love for the first time, all over again.
But what she feels cannot last, the relationship was built on a foundation of lies, lust, and cheating. That is not a solid foundation that a relationship can blossom from, it is rocky at best, they cannot trust one another. Arsen gets jealous and angry, while Cathy just has to take it because....well... he's right...
So here it is..
The subject matter was hard to swallow, it did not go down easy and there were parts where I just couldn't read... I just couldn't!!
Cathy was being a big cunt, I understood her, I felt for her and her pain I understood it but I just couldn't get over the pain she was inflicting on to Ben... She broke MY heart and all I wanted to do was reach through the book, grab Ben and stuff him in my pocket to protect him from what was coming...He was what every woman wishes her husband will be and what every man should strive to be like...I LOVED HIM!!
"Late Sunday morning. I watch as my husband’s large and powerful body falls to the ground in surrender. Broken… by me."
Even though I HATED the subject matter itself, I actually loved the whole concept of this book..
Now you might be thinking,
"What??? this bitch has lost her mind, no way could this book be anything but horrible when it comes to the subject matter!!.."
But hear me out first..
I will never ever ever condone cheating... it is WRONG and NOBODY wins when someone cheats but this book was kind of like a cautionary tale of what can happen when you do cheat. What happens to the people when temptation and lust overshadow true love. What broken people can become even if they think they are getting everything they want..
She took a subject matter that most people consider awful and used it to teach a lesson to readers about the what ifs.
(Of course I don't know for sure if she was trying to do that but thats what I took away from it)
I thought long and hard after reading this book, about my marriage, about my husband, about how easy love can fall apart and how HARD it is to keep it together..
Marriage is a lot of work but the best ones are worth fighting for..
"Falling in love with someone is easy. It’s loving when the newness has worn off, when life gets tough, when things get in the way, when physical passion is gone, that true love remains. When love can conquer it all.”
It had me thinking about all of this and making me appreciate everything I have, making me grateful for the love that my husband and I share. We may drive each other effing crazy but at the end of the day he is my everything and I couldn't love him more than the day I met him..
Plus, the author didn't hold anything back to make it easier for her readers to read. She let it progress, wrote everything; every thought, every feeling and also let the reader experience it for themselves.
She did such an AMAZING job portraying the hurt, pain, anguish, betrayal, love, lust, and heartbreak of these characters..
She reached inside my heart and soul and stole little pieces of it and I came out on the other side of the book in a pile of mixed emotions.
I thought I have been emotionally unstable before because of a book but she gave me a whole new meaning of emotionally unstable!!
I was seriously damaged after this book but I definitely enjoyed each soul-crushing minute of it!!
And LEZ-BE-HONEST the sex was freaking HOT,even if most of it I was cringing because in my mind I knew it was fifty shades of fucked up ;)
The only thing that made me disappointed was the way it ended, I wanted a little more and a different type of epilogue because I think as a reader I needed to see what happened after the rainy day on the street..What exactly happened? How did it progress? There was just so much happening I wanted to see the steps that it took.
(I am being vague because I don't want to give anything away)
Also, it took me a while to get into it but once I did, you could not pull this book from my hands.. I was a raging bitch to anyone who tried to interrupt my reading time..
I NEEDED to finish it, it was a matter of life or death people!!!!
AMAZING JOB MIA ASHER can't wait to read more from you in the future because YOU my dear are FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC!!!!!
If you want to join in on the crazy here are the links to her book:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)