Review: Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas

Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published March 26th 2013 

~~

Synopsis:

Fashion design major Cat Mitchell has a closet full of gorgeous clothes - and not a single thing fits. After two years of runway modeling for easy cash, an accident shattered her lower leg bone and her self-esteem in just one swift fall. Ten months of no exercise, prescription steroids, comfort eating and yoga pants meant returning to campus as a size twelve instead of her former size two. 

When her gorgeous long-time friend with benefits sees her for the first time after her accident and snubs her in front of all her friends, Cat’s self-image hits rock bottom. Her sorority sisters all insist that she looks gorgeous, but all Cat sees is the roll of her stomach when she sits down, or the dimpling at the back of her thighs that wasn't there last year. Cat’s therapist prescribes something radical to stop the downward spiral - nude modeling for a nearby college's human form drawing classes. 

When Cat faces her fears and bares it all for the class, she realizes that she's posing naked in front the most gorgeous, buffest guy she's ever seen in her life. He asks her out after the class, and after one steamy night together, Cat's absolutely smitten.

Nate’s pretty close to perfect – he takes Cat rock climbing when he discovers that it makes her feel strong and becomes a great chef after he learns that the perfect pesto sauce makes her swoon. Cat starts to feel like her old self again - confident and beautiful - as long as Nate's around. Even when he discourages her from entering the Real Woman Project, a design competition for plus-sized apparel, she reasons that he's just trying to prevent old body image wounds from splitting wide open again. 

But when Cat goes home with Nate for Thanksgiving, she discovers something shocking from his recent past that proves that he hasn’t always been so encouraging of women of all shapes and sizes. Cat has no idea what to think, but she does know one thing - this might destroy their relationship before it's even had a chance to get off the ground. 

Before Cat can figure out whether the real Nate is the sensitive, adoring guy she fell in love with, or an undercover asshole, she'll have to finally feel comfortable in her own skin - even if it means leaving him forever.

~~

Review:

I liked this book, I didn't love it. The tale of Cat is a unique one. Primarily because she's overweight and depressed about her size -- by accident. Her horse threw her the year before and now she has a rod in her leg with bolts attached and any form of exercise causes her pain. Hence the weight issue. What I did like was the ending where she realises that beauty is only skin deep and if you aren't beautiful on the inside then you don't project it on the outside. What I didn't like was the constant references to her 'thin' days where she was a stick-insect type model and she constantly craves that life again. While the story has a positive moral story behind it, I did begin to get bored of Cat and her constant "I hate myself" and "I wish I was size zero again" moments. Plus, anyone could see that as her time was being absorbed by Nate, and his good nature, it wasn't exactly a healthy relationship. Cat had a habit of living in a surreal world, not the real world. Nate was a likeable bloke with good intentions, until the Thanksgiving incident. But I don't think the calamity was enough time to rearrange his thinking of fit is good and fat is lazy. I know the scenario at the fashion competition had a great impact but I wouldn't be so convinced so quickly if it was me.

 - CBx ~

View all my Goodreads reviews

Review: Rocked by Clara Bayard

Rocked by Clara Bayard

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: February 25th 2013

From: Free on Amazon

~~

Synopsis:

She's dreaming of a life of excitement and romance. 

When rising rock star Joe Hawk wanders into the diner where Liss works her dark night is brightened by his incredibly blue eyes and sexy smile. The attraction is immediate and every moment is charged with erotic heat. 

He's searching for something real.

The first impression is easy. Taking the next step is much harder. The plus sized beauty has to overcome her insecurities to take a risk on a man whose life is the opposite of everything she's ever known and changing faster than either of them realizes.

From the first electric touch their chemistry is undeniable and the possibilities are endless

~~

Review:

This book was free on Amazon so I swiped it because I love Rock Star stories going for ordinary girls. In this short story, Lisa works at an all night diner. On a quiet night a gorgeous unassuming guy walks in and sits. They share conversation and then, being a gentleman, he walks her home. The story is very sweet. There are no twists or turns. Everything goes very smoothly except for self doubt on Lisa's part. This could only get 3 stars in my opinion because nothing really happens except at the end. I thought this one would be another Lick by Kylie Scott and I know there are a ton of follow-on stories to keep the tale of Lisa and Joe going. It's a shame the author didn't combine the books to a novel size rather than cut it up into novellas. Anyway, a good, nice read if you like Rock Stars! - CBx 

View all my Goodread reviews

ARC Review: Breathe Into Me by Sara Fawkes

Breathe Into Me by Sara Fawkes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Publication: April 8th 2014 by St. Martin's Press

~~

Synopsis:

How did my life get so broken? It’s a question Lacey St. James asks herself every day. Stuck raising her little brother in a trailer park while she works a dead end job at a grocery store, she has a stalker exboyfriend, a bad reputation, and no way out. 

And then, she meets Everett, who changes her entire existence.

Everett is an outsider who’s housesitting his family’s mansion off the coast, and for reasons Lacey can’t understand, he’s completely transfixed by her. He seems determined to show her that life can offer more than she’d ever hoped for, if only she believes in herself. She desperately yearns to trust him, but what happens when she finds out that everything he’s told her is a lie? 

~~

Review:

This book follows the same New Adult pattern as I've read countless times. There is nothing new here. The story has become so depressing I'm considering putting the news on to hear some happy news. At this time I'm at 72% and don't know if I can read any further. Some situations in the story have come across as so unbelievable that I just can't continue. 

The premise is pretty bleak. Lacey has been verbally and emotionally abused, raped, and still lives in the same town as these other horrible people. She's trying to get on with her life but as she keeps saying - its a small town. As in, everyone knows everyone else or is connected somehow. The part I've just read about her visit to the police station has me so angry because I just can't believe that what happens next and that turn of events would actually happen in real life. Not where rape is concerned. Laws are in place for this no matter where you live. As I wrote, the pattern is standard NA. The only person Lacey seems to trust is hot new boy in town, Emerson. In time she turns to him to aide her woe. 

Along with that I'm also getting tired of the same titles to books like this as in "...into me, ...on me, ...into you, ...around you" etc. I think the publishing companies should change their advertising tactics and become more original. The books could be mistaken for being in the same series by different authors. I'm also wondering if the more horrific the story, the more stars the book gets. An extra star here for the writing. The author does that very well. I know readers are probably wondering why I still read NA. I'm hoping soon I'll come across an original gem :) 

- CBx

Review: Unspoken (Woodlands #2) by Jen Frederick

Unspoken by Jen Frederick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published September 13th 2013 by Pear Tree LLC

From: NetGalley

~~

Synopsis:

Whore. Slut. Typhoid Mary. 

I've been called all these at Central College. One drunken night, one act of irresponsible behavior, and my reputation was ruined. Guys labeled me as easy and girls shied away. To cope, I stayed away from Central social life and away from Central men, so why is it that my new biology lab partner is so irresistible to me?

He's everything I shouldn't want. A former Marine involved in illegal fighting with a quick trigger temper and an easy smile for all the women. His fists aren't the danger to me, though, it's his charm. He's sliding his way into my heart and I'm afraid that he's going to be the one to break me.

Impulsive. Unthinking. Hot tempered. 

I allow instinct to rule my behavior. If it feels good, do it, has been my motto because if I spend too much time thinking, I'll begin to remember exactly where I came from. At Central College, I've got fighting and I've got women and I thought I was satisfied until I met her. 

She's everything I didn't realize I wanted and the more time I spend with her, the more I want her. But she's been hurt too much in the past and I don't want to be the one to break her. I know I should walk away, but I just can't.

~~

Review:

I loved this book! There is such passion and emotion on every page. You cannot read this and not want to stand up to horrid gossip-mongers and general causers of grief. And deposit a pile of manure on each and every one of them!! Especially in high school or college because those years are supposed to be revelating and empowering. Those years are where we find our inner selves and embrace it all. But not for AM or AnnMarie. She made a mistake ONE TIME. And now pays for it every day. After living in self-exile away from the communal areas of college, AM is partnered with Bo, and cutely, made project partners for a term assignment. For AM, Bo is someone who is devastatingly gorgeous but wouldn't look at her in a thousand years. The fact that he keeps starting conversations and staring at her makes her edgy. And a little bit hopeful. For Bo, AM offers a refreshing outlook on life. She makes him laugh, and she's not caught up with all the BS that hangs around college. And then he finds out why. Both AM and Bo have a great deal of revealing to do. Both are willing to make sacrifices which don't always end well. The surrounding characters of AM and Bo are all equally great, and the story serves a warning for everyone entering the halls of higher education. 

- CBx

You can reach Jen Frederick here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Mad Love by Colet Abedi

Mad Love by Colet Abedi 

Publishers: Bird Street Books

Date: March 10th 2014

From: Net Galley 

My rating: 3 out of 5

Synopsis:

23-year-old aspiring artist Sophie Walker can think of no better place than the exotic paradise of the Maldives to escape the wrath of her controlling parents, the monotony of her boring legal work and her passionless boyfriend. With her two best friends along for the ride and to help her find herself again, Sophie is not prepared for the enigmatic Clayton Sinclair. Clayton comes from another world of privilege that seems like a fantasy to Sophie. Can this man introduce her to the passion & seduction she never realized she was desperately searching for? Sophie quickly becomes ensnared in Clayton's seductive web until a shocking treachery makes her question her judgment and actions...

~~

Review:

For starters I won't rehash the subtle if a little predictable story. Many other reviewers have done a fine job of that already.

What I liked about Mad Love: 

Erik and Orie - The boyfriend and boyfriend sidekicks who give Sophie moral support on her holiday. One is a hair stylist and the other a fashion dresser to the stars. Convenient, especially when the all-important 'date' happens, and not that original. However they do provide refreshing conversation away from Sophie's sometimes naive and obsessive side. 

The scene-setting - I want to go to the Maldives now! 

Elizabeth (Clayton's friend) - If it wasn't for her I think I would have DNF'd long before. 

In general - the writing style was great. Quick paced. A little heavy sometime on the info-dump that wasn't necessarily required in this part of the story. Smart jumps between scenes with regular stops. 

What I didn't like about Mad Love: 

Clayton - Oh dear, it doesn't bode well when I think the lead male is an idiot. Devoid of any real emotion apart from the male grunts of 'I want you'. His aloofness and reluctance to be any kind of fun took the dazzle out of him. All I can say is he came across as arrogant and unkind. Not sexy or enigmatic in any way. 

Sophie - Even worse when the lead female is also an idiot. Maybe that's why I kept on reading. Again, this may be naivety but she also lacked character or a spark in her belly. For a 23 year old with some experience of life she came across as slightly robotic. 

Clayton's friends (except Elizabeth) - I can only think they've been included as crowd fillers and have some deep import in the next books. I couldn't get a grasp of Eduard or John's general character. All we know of Jane is allegedly a snotty nosed cow. All I read into her was her dialogue was a little toooo english because english people really don't use words as she used them any more. Maybe in the Houses of Parliament. Or on BBC Radio 4. 

Jerry's arrival on the island - All very Shirley Valentine. Here's the ex arrived and ready to dive in and continue where they left off. No, forget SV. It's more of a Bridget Jones thing. Either way it didn't do anything but annoy me. Especially Sophie's delayed reaction. I would have slogged him in the mouth myself before Clayton even had a chance. 

'Nuff said. I also hated the cliff-hanger. 

-CBx 

~~

Review. Thoughtless (Thoughtless #1) by S.C. Stephens

Thoughtless (Thoughtless #1) by S.C. Stephens

Publishers: Self-Pubbed

Date: June 11th 2011

From: Bought 

My rating: 5 out of 5

~~

Synopsis:

For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same.

~~

Review:

Thoughtless is probably one of the best New Adult books out there at the moment. The content is full on, heart wrenching, sometimes annoying, lots of times gaping or gasping (whichever you prefer) and all for a love triangle, a subject many readers hate to read about. This book however is difficult to resist and by the end you will be totally and utterly emotionally drained, I guarantee!

What makes this book complete are the two men in question. Denny Harris is Keira's boyfriend of two years, an Aussie, insanely devoted to her, who loses his way in their romance with a few selfish actions. Thoughtless you might say. The other is Kellan Kyle. A beautiful, gifted, sincere guy who also has a reputation as a man-whore and strangely goes through a dry spell when Keira and Denny come to live with him as housemates. Kellan is lead singer of a band called the Douchebags (D-Bags for short) and along with the other 3 members has a full and happy life - or so we think.

Keira, the voice and female lead is a 21 year old, quite naive student who has never lived outside of her hometown in Ohio. Her parents are very protective and she considers herself book smart not people smart. Keira feels overshadowed sometimes by her beautiful and very flirtatious sister, Anna, and with her family combined we get to understand why Keira makes the decisions she makes after their move to Seattle.

This is a rollercoaster book. Quite long and fully packed with great side kick characters such as Rita, the 40 something barmaid with leathery skin who lives vicariously on her one encounter with Kellan, to Jenny, the sweet as a button waitress who befriends Keira and keeps her on the straight and narrow. Many of the characters you will form an opinion on almost instantly whether its to like or hate, it doesn't really matter. And just so you know, I'm with Keira on her view of Griffin!

All in all a great read. I would class this alongside Love Unscripted as one of my favourite NA reads. 

-CBx

You can reach S.C. Stephens here: 

Web

Goodreads

ARC Review. Play (Stage Dive #2) by Kylie Scott

Play by Kylie Scott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Expected publication: April 1st 2014 by St. Martin's Griffin

From: Net Galley

~~

Synopsis:

Kylie Scott returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to international bestseller LICK Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl. Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?

~~

Review:

Sadly I was disappointed by this book in the Stage dive series. I've read Lick so many times. It's one of my favourite books to read when I get in a funk and don't know what to read next.I loved the characters and I loved Mal. In Play, I didn't love Mal so much. Aside from his uber-flamboyant attitude and his playful chatter he didn't come across as likable at all. What I mean by that is he just wasn't real enough. The book makes him look and sound like an idiot by the end, nor capable of having a normal conversation with anyone. I also didn't like Anne much either. Her placcid, "okay, just think about the sex" quirk worked for a while but then I got frustrated with her for not sticking up for herself more. Two times that spring to mind are when Mal is feeling up the music exec (I would have stormed out, and yes, I know they were still 'faking' but even so.... The second time was when Reece and Mal were fighting out front. Instead of leaving them to it she gets involved and then gets a thump in the eye. And THEN she acts like 'oh, its okay, just stop fighting and be nice'. It didn't sit well with me. The inclusion of the other characters IS great. Dave and Ev are still super happy (yay) and while we still don't know too much about Jimmy, Ben or even Sam, we know things are stirring underfoot.

 -CBx

You can reach Kylie Scott here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Come As You Are by Theresa Weir

Come As You Are by Theresa Weir

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Published September 20th 2013 by Belfry Press

From: Net Galley

~~

Molly Young has a secret. To keep it she holds the world at a distance. Behind her lies a trail of dumped boyfriends who came too close to discovering what no one can know. When her estranged father dies of an unexpected heart attack he leaves an even deeper secret, one tied to Molly's.

At the funeral repast Molly is unable to tolerate the shoulder-to-shoulder mourners and runs out the door and down the street to the nearest bar. Come dawn, with no memory of the past ten hours, she finds herself in bed with a beautiful stranger. She slips away before he wakes up, unaware of the role he's about to play in her life. Is he the one guy who can convince Molly to face her painful secret and become the person she's meant to be? 

~~

Hmmm. There are lovers and haters of this book. If you've read a lot of NA then you'll know how the formula works. Girl with tragic past meets boy with equally tragic past. They collide. They insta-love each other. They talk, they share and then...boom! out of nowhere they stop talking/communicating without finding the answers first.

I've never read Ms Weirs work before so I have nothing to base it on. I found this book very dark and almost sinister. I must admit I didn't like Molly. For someone who has suffered so much I couldn't help feeling that she should have got past this and made some adjustments to her life. I understand that her adoptive father was shitty to her, and celebrating is funeral was no picnic. Her reaction to bad stuff is drinking and grabbing the nearest guy for sex? Okay, maybe for some it is.

I couldn't help feeling that the whole story was a little too contrived. I know that's how NA books are. The weirdest, strangest, connections get made that way but an adoptive fathers biological son that she never knew about. That takes some story telling.

On the whole the story WAS quite simple. But as I wrote, I didn't get Molly, I couldn't get into her pysche and reason with her or understand her. 

So, 2.5 out of 5. Ms Weirs writing is an extra star. And I DID like Ian despite the relationship malarkey :)

- CBx

View all my Goodreads reviews here

Review: Elite (Eagle Elite #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published July 9th 2013 by Forever

From: Net Galley

~~

Synopsis:

For Tracey Rooks, life with her grandparents on a Wyoming farm has always been simple. But after her grandmother's death, Tracey is all her grandfather has. So when Eagle Elite University announces its annual scholarship lottery, Tracey jumps at the opportunity to secure their future and enters. She isn't expecting much-but then she wins. And life as she knows it will never be same . . .

The students at Eagle Elite are unlike any she's ever met . . . and they refuse to make things easy for her. There's Nixon, gorgeous, irresistible, and leader of a group that everyone fears: The Elect. Their rules are simple. 1. Do not touch The Elect. 2. Do not look at The Elect. 3. Do not speak to The Elect. No matter how hard she tries to stay away, The Elect are always around her and it isn't long until she finds out the reason why they keep their friends close and their enemies even closer. She just didn't realize she was the enemy -- until it was too late.

~~

Review:

This book was hard to review. I loved the way I read it until the end. The story was great, a little twist on mafia families, and mostly I liked (although I shouldn't) how evil and mean people were. Although it might seem unbelievable, in the school climate that is ruled by The Elite, I could imagine it very well. So, first things first. Tracey Rooks is arriving at The Eagle Elite Academy. She won a lottery, got a place. Her grandma died a few months back so there's only her grandfather and her left. Tracey's parents died when she was young. Tracey's very excited about experiencing what this top class college is like. Until she runs into the Elect almost immediately. 

From the get-go they make her life hell, but Tracey shows her smarts and pushes back against all the rules. Her roommate also happens to be sister of Elect leader, Nixon. He's a bad boy, tattooed, lip ring, the full works and with an attitude and temperament to match. His buddy Chase is a little more stomach-able to Trace. He shows kindness when no one looks. Phoenix and Tex hover in the background with mutual disregard. It soon comes apparent that The four boys come from powerful families, Sicilian Mafia families. Peace has been kept between the families for a while but Traces arrival sparks of a storm that was inevitable. Without her being any wiser she becomes the central pivotal role to either make or break the families apart. 

When I finished it I thought Wow. The way the characters all worked together, so connected. And the way the school system worked, I got it. Nixon had the power, it all made sense. Chase and the others all slotted into needed parts. But, the more I thought on it the more I couldn't believe that an entire powerful clan such as Nixon's would have him - a twenty something year old - in charge of their entire multi-business, multi-million dollar company. I mean, do people on wall street or London stock exchange, the movers and shakers in this world have time to go to school and teach classes and maintain the status quo of a couple hundred college kids? 

That's my only gripe. Other than that I liked Trace and Monroe a lot. The book has a great amount of romance, flirting, super gushy moments but also some really nasty mean girl stuff too. Exactly what I wanted to read!! 

-CBx 

View all my Goodreads reviews

Review: Meeting Trouble by Emme Rollins

Meeting Trouble by Emme Rollins

Publishers: Self Published

Published Date: November 3rd 2013

From: Free Download Amazon
My rating: 3 out of 5

~~

Synopsis:

Sabrina can't believe her luck-she's always dreamed of front row seats to see her favorite band, "Trouble," but when she bumps into lead singer, Rob Burns, and he invites her backstage, she finds herself hoping her luck doesn't run out-and that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams will come true.

~~

Review:

I love anything to do with rock stars meeting the girl next door. this book had a great story line. Sabrina bumps into Rob, literally, and gets injured. He takes care of her and makes sure she's looked after during the concert. Afterwards they meet again backstage and begin their wild couple of days.

The only thing wrong with this book was it was a little too safe. Yes, there's an abundance of sexy scenes and lots of talking in restaurants about food. Apart from that if you want wild rock stars being raucous and downright dirty, then this isn't the book for you. 

Simply, a girl meets a rock star who is an ordinary guy at heart and they fall in love. The ending was also a tiny, teeny-weeny bit disappointing with a perfect opening for another book...or not.

A quick read and a cute story.

-CBx

You can reach Emme Rollins here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Stay With Me (With Me #1) by Elyssa Patrick

Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published August 30th 2013 by Elyssa Patrick
From: Net Galley

~~

Synopsis:

With one look, I’m his . . .With one touch, he’s mine . . .
With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .

I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox. Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me

~~

Review:

This is definitely one of the books that I've liked more this year. The story of a child actress/starlet who basically wants to pull away from her old life and do normal stuff. Going to college and dating ordinary guys is a bit out of Hailey's comfort zone so its refreshing that she's even giving it a try. I did like the good background settings that cropped in here and there. 

Anyone who watches E! or reads the gossip mags can only grasp at what life as a young superstar must be like. Admittedly I didn't learn anything new about her previous business but the author did certainly do her research. I loved the boys network of Caleb and his housemates. Caleb is a safe and solid guy to fall in love with. He has no ulterior motive, no shady side to him. Just a nice guy who likes the girl! Any drama was always going to be in Hailey's head. Not anywhere else. 

The big secret and its reveal? Well, it wasn't the biggest. Honestly, I wasn't even that surprised. Horrible what happened to her? Yes, absolutely. Did I doubt Caleb? Never in a month of Sundays. I loved the HEA. I see that there'll be other books based on the other guys. Definitely worth reading! 

-CBx

Review: Lick (Stage Dive #1) by Kylie Scott

Lick (Stage Dive #1) by Kylie Scott

Publishers: Momentum

Published Date: July 1st 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis:

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this. Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened. One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

Review:

I loved, loved, loved this one! So much that I read it again straight after finishing. At the moment everyone seems to be writing books about rock stars and the antics that go with it. Lick is slightly different from the start. Evelyn wakes up curled up in the bathroom feeling extraordinarily rough after a night on the tequila. Sat opposite her is a gorgeous guy, definitely swoon-worthy. After a few words she discovered the worst possible nightmare. She married him! Him being David Ferris, God Guitarist of the rock band Stage Dive. He's world famous, very rich, and for some reason likes big-boned, heavy boobed Evelyn. Its all a big misunderstanding she tells herself. If she forgets about it no one will ever know, it could be a secret. 

However, the world press are waiting at the airport the next day and Evelyn is headline news!! Here begins her adventure into how to get unmarried, and nothing goes to plan! What I loved most was the chemistry between Evelyn and David. The obvious reason is that they are perfect for one another, even though Evelyn can't see it and David acts like an ass because of his own insecurities! 

This book isn't so much a rock star on the road story that I've been reading a lot of, more of an intense romance with a whole lot of love involving a girl-next-door and a guy who clearly adores her for who she is. Even if you don't like rock music Lick is a great goosebump bringer, heart-acher with the added bonus of mature love for +17's. 

You can reach Kylie Scott here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel 

Publishers: All Night Reads

Published Date: May 8 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Synopsis:

Due to heavy subject matter, Crossing is recommended for readers 17+. He stole her lipstick…and her heart. Twenty-year-old Dani Walker can’t believe her luck when she’s paired up with the gorgeous Liam Garrett as her Acting I scene partner – or when he ends up in her bed. Being a Plain Jane with a mouth on her hasn’t exactly served Dani well in the guy department. In fact, she’s had nothing but one night stands. Still, she lets go of her insecurities and falls for Liam, despite feeling like he’s holding something back. When Dani finally discovers Liam’s secret, she must learn the true meaning of accepting the ones we love for who they are, or risk losing the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Review:

Firstly, isn't the cover beautiful? So pretty. I have to say, I adored Crossing by Stacey Wallace Benefiel. I haven't read any of her other work but as a New Adult story this sums up the genre perfectly. Discovering who you are, not what everyone expects you to be. Dani meets, gets on well with and soon becomes good friends with Liam Garrett. He gets her, matches her and accepts her. Dani has very low self-esteem and constantly talks down about herself to others. A trait that takes time to accept if at all, so Dani initially has problems understanding why Liam likes her. She isn't tall or exotically pretty or stick thin, she's just normal and Liam is gorgeous. Eventually, after a night of tequila they become an item and I really loved their relationship to begin with. But then Liam starts hiding away, pretending to be busy. Is he having an affair? He seems so 'into' Dani when they are together. 

When Liam comes out with his secret it wasn't hard to guess what it was. Some of the doubts Dani harbours are an instinct reaction and she sticks with it even after living with weeks of second guessing herself not believing she was good enough for him. But as before they find a work around and settle back, again, into their relationship being truer and more open and honest with each other. Liam's story is fascinating. I have a friend who had trouble in his early years too. His parents refused to accept who he was and even kicked him out of their house. But much like being gay, the hardest part is admitting it to yourself. Others will accept you as you are and if they don't then they weren't real friends in the first place. 

In Crossing, the aftermath of the hospital scene was gut-wrenching. But I totally saw through Liam not being in contact. Of course his mother would be screening every form of contact Dani could possible make to get hold of him. But Dani was right to wait for Liam this time. I've tried not to give too many spoilers away for this one. We live in a day and age where judging people for what they look like is dead and gone. People are people, what's inside is all that counts. And, oh go on then, a small spoiler. Who else can admit that Eddie Izzard in heels, eye-liner and lipstick looks absolutely gorgeous. I think he does!! Well done, Stacey, I loved it! 

You can reach Stacey Wallace Benefiel here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

Publishers: Self Published

Published Date: March 22 2013

From: Bought

My rating: 4 out of 5

Synopsis:

A girl. A coma. A life she can't remember. When Emma Walker wakes up in the hospital with no knowledge of how she got there, she learns that she's been in a coma for six months. Strangers show up and claim to be her parents, but she can't remember them. She can't remember anyone. Not her friends, not even her boyfriend. Even though she can't remember, everyone wants her to just pick up where she left off, but what she learns about the 'old her' makes her start to wish she'd never woken up. Her boyfriend breaks up with the new girl he's dating to be with her, her parents want her to start planning for college, her friends want their leader back, and her physical therapist with the hazel eyes keeps his distance to save his position at the hospital. Will she ever feel like she recognizes the girl in the mirror?

Review:

Wide awake is very well written and an absolute page turner. I think I had about two bathroom breaks reading it because I wanted to find out what happened in the end! If that happens when you're reading it must be a good book. The premise was interesting. If you woke up from a coma and had no memory of who you were BC (before coma) then what would you do? 

Emma has this dilemma even though she's assured that her memory may come back over time. Small things may trip her into remembering features of her past life. However when Emma is gradually told about who she was BC she's not entirely sure she wants to be that person again. Arrogant, demanding, a girl with a jock of a boyfriend (who even started dating someone else while she was in said coma), someone who ruled the school with a 'look at me' attitude. I wasn't sure I'd want to be that person either. She doesn't know her parents or siblings, she can't relate to them in any way so while she's in hospital she gets closer to Mason, her physiotherapist who visited her daily during C. 

Soon after waking she develops a crush on him only to learn that he has feelings for her too. The story unfolds and what I loved about this book is the way Emma stuck to her guns and didn't give in to her family trying to mold her back into the person she once was. She not daddy's girl any more, in fact he can't stand to be around her because she isn't 'his daughter'. Her mother appeared to love the antics of old Emma, antics that are cringe-worthy. In the end Emma finds no peace within her world except when she's with Mason. Learning about Mason gives her life more meaning and soon she's wrapped in a new world away from the norm. 

As we reach the end I actually feel very sorry for Emma. The emotions that Crane brings out are true and very real. Emma suffers right until the end. A great, unique and thought-provoking read. 

You can reach Shelly Crane here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker

Publishers: Atria Books

Published Date: Feb 12 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 4 out of 5

Synopsis:

Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them. Four years ago Kacey Cleary’s life imploded when her car was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend, and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend’s lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty-year-old Kacey and her fifteen-year-old sister, Livie, escape Grand Rapids, Michigan, to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle anything—anything but her mysterious neighbor in apartment 1D. Trent Emerson has smoldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and he perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey’s guarded heart—even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds.

Review:

Right from the outset we learn that Kacey is a tough nut. Her language, her attitude, her thoughts on others prove that she has trust issues. But the most constant person in her life is what keeps her grounded, to a certain extent, at least. Livie, her sister, was sick at home when the car accident happened. At sixteen Kacey's parents, her boyfriend and her best friend were all killed when a drunk driver hit their car. Kacey survived and she is understandably traumatised by the whole shocking ordeal. Hospital for a year, rehabilitation, shrinks and moving in with her aunt and uncle all take their toll. Kacey manages to continue life after the accident albeit from the bottom of a bottle, using drugs and having lots of meaningless sex. Her life was spiralling out of control. Her aunt and uncle were not role models either. Her aunt being a bible nut preaching against evil, her uncle squandering their inheritence in a card game. All in all when Kacey's uncle makes a move on fifteen year old Livie, she takes control back of her life for once and gets them away in the dead of night for a new beginning and a fresh start.

This book is a moral story. Kacey's been given a second chance at life, she just doesn't know it yet. Her primary concern is taking care of her sister, but we soon learn that it's really her sister taking care of her. Without Livie Kacey would be a lost soul on a path for destruction. Kacey wants nothing more than vengeance against those who took her family from her. It's eaten so deep inside her that its hard for her to make any kind of connection with anyone new. 

Her neighbours help. Storm is a lively, Barbie looking babe who has an adorable little daughter that captures everyone's hearts. On the other side of her new apartment is Trent, who literally steals her breath away. No one has ever affected Kacey the way Trent does. What I loved most about this book is it gives us a reason to hope for something better. The small network of people that soon become part of Kacey's family are varied, sometimes troubled but mainly they are there in Kacey's life through the good times and the bad. They don't pry, they don't judge, they don't ask questions, they just get on with life and slowly meld their lives together. 

So the better in Kacey's life isn't the fact that she eventually earns enough money to put Livie through school, or lets the small secrets of her past gradually creep out. It's the constant knowing that others are around you when you break and will be there when you get better. After all, don't they say family doesn't equal a blood tie, its those who you let in. 

The other moral behind this story is the drunk driving incident. After a night out, drunk Trent lent his car keys to a close friend who lied and told him he hadn't been drinking for a while so was able to drive them home. Trent has to live with those consequences for ever. A mistake like that doesn't just affect the ones who died, but the ones who lived and the relatives and friends. That mistakes affects families, rips relationships apart even to the point of some wishing for a way out like Tanner's brother suicide. I was pleased with the outcome of the story, the end 30% is quite intense and I'm not sure how I feel with some of Trent's actions towards Kacey during the past or present but TTB did have an HEA. 

-CBx

You can reach K.A. Tucker here:

Web

Goodreads

Review: Touching Melody (Forever First #1) by RaShelle Workman

Touching Melody (Forever First #1) by RaShelle Workman 

Publishers: Polished Pen Press

Published Date: May 14th 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 3 out of 5

Synopsis:

Maddie Martin's first weekend at college is nothing like she's used to. It's wild, like the wilderness on which the University of Bellam Springs sits. Roped into going to a fraternity party, she literally runs into Kyle Hadley. The boy she's loved since she was nine. The boy she promised all of her firsts to. But that was before his father killed her parents. 

Determined to stay away from him, she throws herself into her music. Practicing piano eases her heavy heart, calms the sadness, and pushes away images of Kyle's face. 

Until it doesn't. 

Her music professor asks her to play a duet for their annual Winter Gala. Doing so means she'll be assured another full ride scholarship. It's an opportunity she can't pass up. But Kyle is the other half of the duet. And that means hours and hours of practicing. 

Weeks of seclusion - just the two of them. And it's more than just music. It's passion like Maddie never believed was possible. 

The inevitable happens. She falls in love with him all over again. 

But, will loving him be enough to erase all the hate in her heart for his father? Can she look at him, and not see the evil in his family tree? 

And maybe it's all a set up. Maybe Kyle is only pretending to care so he can finish what his father started, and kill her too

Review:

Lots of YA authors are now crossing over to New Adult to write stories with more daring subjects. As readers and lovers of YA I guess the trend of authors is being followed by us reviewers because we too are growing up and want to read about the next step in adulthood. Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman is a great story about a girl called Maddie who found her parents dead one night. She also saw a glimpse of the killers and all the blood surrounding her parents bodies. She is whisked away days after to live with her Aunt and Uncle and to prevent any backlash after that fateful night, is home schooled. While this may have been in Maddie's best interests she has grown up naive, completely ignorant of the modern world. As a child her best friend was Kyle. They both had tough parents to deal with but stayed best friends throughout, promising each other things that children do, things they know nothing about. Seven years, Maddie is starting College. At a party she bumps into Kyle. But he appears to not remember her. She then pretends to not to know him. Eventually after a drunken spell they reveal their identities. 

The romance begins but there are still those who want to keep these two apart no matter what the cost. Touching Melody is a really good coming of age story. I wouldn't say the story was that original but Workman writes like a genius and I really felt like I knew Maddie and understood her. Her roommate is Gina who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. Kyle comes off as being an idiot to start with. Rumours of him enjoying a menage a troit and being into kinky sex start spreading. I also liked the switch between POV's, I thought this worked well to understand Kyle and his motives. 

Maddie and Kyle's story does come across as being completely natural and believable and what I loved most was the innocence of both of them. Yes, Kyle's dad beat him and Maddie's parents seemed suspicious but neither of them had any idea of what kind of life their parents were living and how their fate got all twisted together. Little things that made it more enjoyable. Maddies tattooes, her shoe fetish and her friendship with Gina. 

The ending did come across as a little rushed, almost a 'tell' rather than a 'show' and read quickly so the emphasis on hoping Maddie survived was like watching a movie in double time. Maddie and Kyle go through lots of heaving petting but this NA book leaves out the big event, and the Aftermath surmises Maddies final acceptance of what happened and allows her to begin a new life. All in all, a good book.

-CBx

You can reach RaShelle Workman here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Connected (Connections #1) by Kim Karr

Connected (Connections #1) by Kim Karr

Publishers: Signet Romance

Published Date: May 7 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 3 out of 5

Synopsis:

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice? 

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate. 

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her. 

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

Review:

Hmm. Its hard to write a review when others have praised a book to such extent and you didn't quite like it as much. Dahlia London experienced an epic tragedy. Her boyfriend Ben is shot right in front of her and slowly she builds her life back. But it takes time. Over a year goes by and she's only just about to embark on a new beginning. Five years previous she had an encounter with a really hot guy in a bar. The experience left an impression on her so when her friend asks her to do an interview and a photoshoot at first she's not interested. Then she finds out its River Wilde, the same guy she met in the bar. Still unsure about whether its the right thing to do she agrees to do the job. He wouldn't remember her anyway, it happened five years ago. From the moment they meet again River and Dahlia are both aware of each other, desire unfurls but they both keep it in check. Until River asks her for dinner. 

My first impressions were that I liked this book. The story of Dahlia and Ben, their romance, the aftermath of college, it all came across as meaningful and wonderful living in their world. Some of Ben's comments annoyed me such as his repetative swearing when giving a compliment. Big turn off for me. But it was clear they were devoted to one another. However the minute Dahlia 'fell' into the conference room I got annoyed. Why do authors always insist on the MC making a complete idiot of herself at the first meeting. Fifty Shades had Ana falling on her knees, Eva fell on her ass in Bared to You. Dahlia crushed her wrist again the glass door and everything about that moment felt too contrived especially when River said the lamest line afterwards, "No apology necessary, that's the kind of collision I wouldn't mind having every day." Ugh, gag much? Then a little later she drops her bag again and her contents fall all over the floor. She's on her knees picking her stuff up and he's on a chair looking down at her. Again! Too contrived. The author is clearly trying to set the tone that this will be a steamy romance but of dominant/submissive status but actually the book isn't anything like that. So these scenes to me had no meaning or purpose for the feel of the book which is a romance not an BDSM story. 

After this scene everything goes badly and is poorly executed. If someone held my hand half an hour after meeting them I would yank it away. Very awkward and uncomfortable. Dahlia is doing a job, she's supposed to be professional and is apparently vulnerable, but in the next couple of chapters she all but throws herself at him and he obliges. Yes, he's giving her steamy eyes and licking his lips a lot so he's getting a vibe that she wants something. Once they do reach THAT moment the romance does come over as sensual and romantic. then the story really starts being good. Dahlia all but ditches her life and heads back to LA with River, lives with him for a while, meets his family. The undercurrent tones suggest that his sister is hiding something that we'll find out in the next book. The brother clearly has designs on Dahlia. And Ben's secret at the end revealed more of what could be a great intrigue.

So, I enjoyed it mostly. Once the initial 'Connection' (see what I did there!) was out the way, the different characters held form and Dahlia started acting like a human being not a horny teenager claiming self doubt when she projected nothing like it. 

-CBx

You can reach Kim Karr here: 

Web

Goodreads

Review: Wreck Me (Wrecked #1) by J.L. Mac

Wreck Me (Wrecked #1) by J.L. Mac

Publishers: Self

Published Date: February 20th 2013

From: Bought

My rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis:

Life can be cruel. People can be ruthless and evil. The world can be cold and uninviting. No one knows these things better than Josephine Geroux. By her own definition, she is a twenty-five year old “nobody with nothing,” and she is content to stay that way. Growing up an orphan has made her tough and indifferent to the people around her until she meets a strangely familiar man with a face that haunts her for reasons she can’t understand. Despite the pain that will inevitably ensue, she makes it her mission to discover what parts of her tragic puzzle she is missing. On her journey to discovering why the she feels an alarming connection to an absolute stranger, her greatest fear is reawakening the demons and darkness from the past that will surely overtake her if she lets her guard down. Little does Josephine know that the past should be the least of her worries. She is toying with a man who has already broken her heart once. She just doesn’t realize it. Although she makes it a point to avoid interactions with others, Josephine’s life becomes entangled with the enigmatic stranger. Before she realizes it, she has given herself over to the one person who is close enough to wreck her.

Review: 

Written in the same vain as Fifty Shades, Wreck Me has a different kind of twist to it. Firstly I loved that Jo worked at a book store for a cantankerous old buzzard. She's cocky, speaks her mind, says what she feels and she swears a lot. Jo had a tough upbringing. At the age of 9 she was involved in a car accident that killed both her French parents. A stranger on the scene pulled her out of the car and rescued her. From then on she did the foster homes for a while before taking her chances on her own, on the streets to fend for herself. When she was old enough she marched into Sutton's store one day and told him she would work for him. Why? She loves books. She visited the library regularly and read books. From that day on her life changed. Her and Sutton have a great relationship and he helped her get on her feet. 

Now she lives in an apartment, small and grubby it may be, but her wants in life are few. What she does like is sex without the strings. She isn't what you might think of her. She never promises the guys anything in return but she does need 'comfort' every now and again. Per chance, she is manhandling a thief who stole one of the stores books one day and she meets Damon Cole. He's young, sophisticated and definitely good looking enough for what she has in mind. She orchestrates having coffee with him and instead of small talk she cuts to the chase and arranges to meet him that night. Her dad was a chef so Jo does know how to cook so she makes him dinner. One thing leads to another and they end up in bed. She never likes to stay over but he persuades her to. Unfortunately he then finds out why she doesn't stay over at anyone's house. 

There are a lot of similarities between this and Fifty Shades, I won't tell you different. If you liked the other then you may like this too. There is a lot of sex. But it starts to become very meaningful between the two of them when the love starts to filter in. The story is great although you start getting hints and realise who Damon actually is and why he may have a soft spot for Jo. The ending is a huge cliffhanger! If you hate cliffhangers then I'm happy to tell you the next book, Restore Me, is also out now. All in all it had little twists that I hadn't read before as a New Adult book and I thought Jo was an extremely likable character. Also, Grams! I want to adopt her!!

You can reach J.L. Mac here: 

Web

Goodreads