Review: Remember When 2: The Sequel (Remember Trilogy #2) by T. Torrest

Remember When 2: The Sequel (Remember Trilogy #2) by T. Torrest

Published on: June 20th 2013

My Rating: 4 out of 5
From: Bought

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Synopsis:

You know how sometimes, your high school crush grows up to be an insanely famous movie star? Okay, probably not. But I do.~Layla Warren

Back in high school, Trip Wiley’s fanbase only encompassed the denizens of the nothing little suburb of Norman, New Jersey.

Ten years later, all that is about to change.

In the summer of 2000, Layla Warren is enjoying her career as a journalist in New York City (well, sort of), while Trip spends most of his time grabbing Hollywood by the balls. In the days before what will turn out to be his skyrocketing fame, they’ll find themselves confronted with some life-altering choices.

Remember When 2 is the second story in an NA romance trilogy. It will bring you back to that exuberant and riotous time of life in your twenties when you struggled to figure out your place in the world and the person you were meant to be…

…and the person you were meant to be with.

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Review:

10 years after Remember When and we find Layla working for a Sunday pullout magazine Now! she done college, living like an adult in her own apartment, and keeping up with Lisa, her bestie. Turns out that her job is going nowhere because her boss won't allow her any freedom to expand her journalistic skills for the magazine, perfering to keep her on classifieds. Also turns out that she's just got engaged to her boyfriend of 2 years, who is..also her boss. Yes, the very one who is keeping her back.

While her romance is okay, it isn't the sparks-that-fly type of romance she had with Trip. The very same high school romance that even now she still thinks about and dreams about. He's a hot actor now on the verge of hitting it big time. that's not to say he isn't famous. He has the smile, the good looks, and the talent. He's a hot commodity in a break neck game, but he's working hard and playing hard. Well, that's what the rumours say anyway.

Layla and Trip's relationship petered out a few years back when he stopped writing to her. But he's back in town filming locally. And this gives Layla the perfect idea to see him. Once she's got the green light from her boss/boyfriend it's all set up. She takes on the role of an actual journalist and puts her reporting skills to good use...finally.

The one problem is...Layla meeting Trip again begins a rolling ball of uncertainty on both sides. For a brief moment they're both teenagers again in high school enjoying each others company. Then it starts getting personal. Layla has to figure out who she is, and what she wants from life. Trip, despite his charm and self assuredness is a heavily concealed powder keg underneath. He realises that the one thing in the world he wants is not his for the taking.

And then everything spirals out of control.

What I loved most about this sequel was that it was set so far into the future from the first. So much has changed for both characters but underneath they're both the same people. And for Trip, Layla is the only person who actually sees him for who he really is. Layla struggles with her doubts and fears for the future, especially feeling guilty when it comes to her fiancé, but is Trip just playing with her? Does her fiancé really love her?

The story is set in New York and apart from small cameos from Lisa, Pick and the gang, is mostly Layla and Trip trying to work out their feelings. There is a cliffhanger where you're left wondering what happens next. Your heart will be in your mouth near the end hoping and waiting for that epic moment but....it's in book 3! 

-CBx

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You can reach T. Torrest  here:

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Review: Faster We Burn (Fall and Rise #2) by Chelsea M. Cameron

Faster We Burn (Fall and Rise #2) by Chelsea M. Cameron

Published by: DRC Publishing

Published on: April 20th 2013

My Rating: 4 out of 5

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Read my Deeper We Fall (Fall and Rise#1) review here

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Synopsis

Katie Hallman is done with douchebags. Done with guys who treat her like crap and leave her broken. But then Stryker Grant is there anyway. With his numerous piercings and bleached hair, he’s the polar opposite of all of her past relationships, which makes him the perfect candidate.

At first, Katie just sees him as a physical escape from her previous rocky relationship, and Stryker doesn’t seem to mind just being a distraction from Katie’s problems. But soon he’s getting under her skin, peeling back layers she’d rather keep covered. She tries to make it clear that she doesn’t want a relationship, but keeps breaking her own rules.

Then a tragedy sends Katie into the only arms who are there to catch her, and she’ll realize that she needs him more than she ever thought possible. But is she ready to let herself trust another guy with her already-battered heart? Or will she push him away to protect herself from getting hurt again?

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Review:

If you've read Deeper We Fall then you'll be familiar with the quirky friends who have now come together as a supportive group. Initially when I read the first book I was underwhelmed. And Katie and Stryker's story wasn't one I was that interested in. Mainly because I didn't like Katie, a girl who loves the colour pink. she wears it, she accessorises with it, she sleeps in it. Urgh, how awful, and a little childish.

Stryker was the a stand out character that I wanted to learn more about. But this sequel surprised me. Katie's story isn't one that's new. But Cameron writes her so well that she actually made me inspired by the end. This is a girl who really doesn't have one clue of who she is. She stereotypes, hangs with a group of 'yes' friends, and has the worst taste in men. And when she's hurt or angry she likes sex. With Stryker. Hmm.

The story kicks off at a key point during the first book but we hear Katie's version of events when Zack Parker, ex boyfriend and closet psycho beats the crap out of her. Towards the first third part of the book we're on to new ground. Katie and Stryker have this 'friends with benefits' thing going although they claim that they aren't really friends at all. There's a whole tank of denial here on both sides. Gradually they wear each other down and call off everything and try to get on with life without each other..

Then Katie's dad dies. She takes the call from her sister at the exact time that Stryker pops round for a visit. She heartbroken, lost, her mum is so sad, and Katie only has her sister and Stryker for support.

A significant event such as Katie's puts fresh eyes of clarity onto a situation you previously would have avoided. What dawns from her fathers untimely passing is Katie's will to find out who she really is, and what makes her tick. With a new group of friends who pull out all of the stops for her, Katie gains so much courage in defeating her small, little, weighing-your-shoulders-down demons.

This is a tale of growth. Of change. Of being in uncomfortable situations and coming out on top. Stryker may be tatted and pierced and looks like he came out of prison (or so Katie's mum thinks) but he has a soft heart of mush. He's human, he makes drastic mistakes in the name of love. But ultimately both Katie and Stryker find an even balance between losing and finding themselves and each other. I found this one more touching, thought provoking and nerve-twitchingly romantic.

Definitely worth picking this up and following the series.:)

-CBx

You can reach Chelsea M. Cameron here:

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ARC Review: Since Forever Ago by Olivia Besse

Since Forever Ago by Olivia Besse

Published May 13th 2014 by Wunderland Press

From: Net Galley

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Synopsis:

Fresh off the heels of a devastating breakup, Riley Benson is a mess. But with her ingenious plan to become a ball-busting heartbreaker herself, she’s pretty sure she’ll survive. After all, what better way is there to get revenge than to move on?

Riley’s determined to become the perfect bachelorette—she’s going to drink like a bro, belch like a beast and swear so much that she’ll make even the most seasoned sailors blush. After all, those are the qualities that every guy’s secretly looking for…. aren’t they?

Max Fletcher is in love with the girl who gave him chicken pox and his first broken leg. When his best friend seems to finally be out of the picture, he can’t help but want to keep Riley all to himself. And, after coaching her with the very best of the very worst love advice, it seems as if he might actually get what he's wanted after all those years. But just as the two come to the realization that they're actually kind of perfect for each other, along comes a secret that threatens to tear them apart.

~~

Review:

Yesterday I finished reading two heavy, dramatic NA novels and had thrown a DNF out the window when Since Forever Ago landed in my lap (or on my kindle, so to speak). An interesting premise, two characters who know each other well, and what's not to like about a hidden love?!

I wasn't expecting what I read. Firstly, if you like really mature characters who act older and worldly-wiser than their 21-year old selves then this is NOT the book for you. If you're looking for a strong female who is so sure of herself she could be Wonder Woman, then this is not for you.

What Since Forever Ago IS is witty, quick, indecisive, messy and so lacking in self esteem it's cute and funny. And that's Riley Benson, the main character. She's so naive about boys I don't know how she got through a 6 year relationship. Actually I do. Her boyfriend, Noah, was a selfish, manipulative douche who told her what to wear and picked on her for all her failures. Somehow that's got to cloud your judgement when you think you're in love with someone and he's only making you into a better person, right? No, not right at all. Riley is a basket case. And then she finds out Noah cheated on her.

The story of a close-knit group of friends at college is very dialogue friendly. I loved the way it was written especially with Riley and Max. Max has been in love with Riley from a very young age but he's never told her. They're best friends and she relies on his input more once her break-up with Noah happens. Max feeds her lots of spiel about what guys Really like and Riley falls for it. It's all rubbish of course, because Max doesn't want Riley dating any one else. Time and again she proves that her innocence and lack of understanding where guys are concerned is her greatest downfall. 

Riley makes a mess of things in a spectacular fashion. As the dominoes in Riley's life began to crash towards the end of the book I was hoping for a more dramatic ending. That's really my only quibble. 

Take it for what it is. Read it and enjoy. Laugh at Riley's inadequacies for what they are. I liked this one :) 

-CBx

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You can find Olivia Besse here:

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Review: Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas

Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published March 26th 2013 

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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 ~

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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

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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? 

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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

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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

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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

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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: 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: 

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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: 

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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:

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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

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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

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Review: Scarred (Scarred, #1) by J.S. Cooper

Scarred (Scarred #1) by J.S. Cooper

Publishers: Self

Published Date: March 1st 2013

From: NetGalley

My rating: 3 out of 5

Synopsis:

Everyone in Jonesville thought that Bryce Evans had the perfect life in High School: he was the Mayor's son, the quarterback for the football team, the boyfriend of the head cheerleader and had a 4.1 GPA. His acceptance to Notre Dame came as no surprise but when he chose to enlist in the army instead everyone was shocked.

Lexi Jones was the quiet girl in school and kept to her small group of eccentric friends. She had no connection to any of the popular kids except for one incident on Prom Night when her path crossed with Bryce's.

When Bryce enlisted Lexi was the only one that wasn't disappointed and decided to send him anonymous letters as a way to feel connected to him. She stopped after a year because she felt there was nowhere for their relationship to go.

Fast-forward four years and Bryce is back in Jonesville and once again he and Lexi cross paths. Only he's no longer the seemingly perfect man and Lexi's no longer the quiet girl. 

This time their relationship is quite different but both of them have secrets from the past and friends that threaten to ruin their chance at happiness together

Review: 

I started off really liking this book. I liked Lexi, Anna and Luke. They're a fresh, young bunch of twenty-two year olds who still live at home with their parents in their small town and just get on with life. Anna works at an animal sanctuary and Lexi works at the library. I also really liked the two POV's being Lexi and Bryce. I got a little tired of the Golden Boy reflection that Bryce seemed to carry with him. Yes, he was a golden boy and the Mayors son. I got it! (There are 8 references to Golden Boy on my kindle...lol)

Bryce does come across as a sweetheart actually. He's been away in the marines, fighting for his country. While he's away he corresponds with a 'Miss' who he's become quite attached to, except she stops writing and this is one of the reasons why he's back in town. He has to find out who 'Miss' is. She doesn't realise that her letters helped him through all the bad times and the good while he was away. And he's almost in love with her even though he doesn't have a clue what she looks like. The writer of the letters is clear from the beginning and Lexi always did and always will have a crush on Bryce.

Personally I loved this part of the story because I know people in the military who live to receive correspondence. It really does lift their spirits.

Anyway, Bryce has a party and some bitchy girls from town take a chunk out of Lexi the first chance they get. Now while Bryce does stand up to them he doesn't do it to a full extent. Now I know that in whatever armed forces you are, your comrades come from all different backgrounds and soon enough it doesn't matter who your parents are or where you were brought up. The only thing that matters is that you have their back and they have yours. Especially for guys. So, back to the story, Bryce should have damn well stood up a little harder to the catty, derogatory girls who have small town brains.

So the story twists and turns. A lot of 'Oh my god' moments happened and was I the only one who thought the woman naked in his bed after the party was related to him? That would have been stomach churner for sure! I was still gutted when it revealed who she was but...it keeps the story going.

Lexi did change in the last third of the book and not for the better. After the big reveal she didn't once ask the question I was almost shouting for her to ask. WHY? Why did Bryce want Eddie to do that to her? My esteem for her dropped when she got over it so quickly and was then full of "It doesn't matter's" and "its not your faults" I really wanted to scream at her.

When Bryce and Lexi go out towards the end of the book, the situation doesn't feel right. This is when she's thinking about Luke more in a serious way. Suddenly I'm wondering if Bryce is really all he's cracked up to be and I worry for her. The ending was pretty much the same as Twisted Perfection, a cliffhanger, without the 'Who'?

I'm going to reads Healed now, the follow up and I hope all the loose ends get somehow tied up. 

Overall I liked it, the two voices worked in making the story pan out a little giving us more idea on who is likable and who isn't. Anna was a big shock!

-CB

You can reach J.S. Cooper here: 

Web

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Review: Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines

Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines

Publishers: Abbi Glines

Published Date: April 20th 2013

From: Bought

My rating: 3 out of 5

Synopsis:

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected… Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help. What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came. The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…

Review:

If you want to read a book that is basically two characters having a lot of sex then this book is for you. If you want to read a New Adult book with a girl and a tragic, abused past then this is for you. If you want to read a story that is a bit cliché regarding southern American values and families stuck in the 19th century then yep, this book is for you too. 

Personally I didn't get on with it. It was a pleasant enough read but I wasn't wowed. Abbi Glines is a brilliant writer but the story wasn't really anything new although a great excuse to write lots of sex scenes. 

Della has had a cruel upbringing by her mother. I'm surprised she isn't more emotionally scarred from being locked in a house until she was 16. Cabin fever is a real thing and so is fear of the outside world. But the first chance Della meets a really hot guy she has dinner, drops her panties and gets some. The next chapter in the book tells us that she slept with her next boss. Up to this point I was feeling her pain and enjoying her having a good time but then she just came across as extremely slutty. Then she gets another job and her new boss, the really hot guy she met in the beginning is actually THAT guy. And yes, guess what happens. 

Now, there are a few things that I wanted to bring up at this point. Number 1) if you were locked up, abused and not allowed to go out I would imagine that even after 4 months you still would be slightly afraid of strangers. Especially in a sexual situation. You would have no worldly experience of meeting people, be naive and lack in social etiquette (and yes, I know she crept out of her house lots of times but that wouldn't change everything immediately). And Number 2) her character lacked depth. She appeared to have no friends except for Braden, no quirks, no personality apart from the night terrors that had her waking up screaming. Her dialogue was bland and didn't make her character grow at all throughout the book. The only thing she really liked to enjoy was Woods with his demanding hands and body. Oh, and the sex. 

I haven't read any of the Fallen series. I thought this was the first in a new series but I see on an Amazon page that its Book 4 in another series (confused?!). I have read Existence and the sequels so I know Abbi is a great writer and her storytelling skills are amazing but, and its a big but, I felt that Twisted Perfection was an excuse to get a book out in the ever growing New Adult market without really coming up with a new original storyline. Don't get me wrong. I didn't hate this book, and I actually stayed up and read the whole thing from beginning to end to see where I was being lead to. I hope the second book brings story depth. Anyone who reads this, please don't hate me. I'm only writing what I feel :)

-CB

You can reach Abbi Glines here: 

Web   Goodreads

ARC Review: True by Erin McCarthy

True by Erin McCarthy

Publishers: Intermix 

Published Date: May 7th 2013 

From: Net Galley 

My rating: 3 out of 5

Synopsis: 

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory. Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t… Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

Review: 

I liked True.I loved learning about Rory, she is an extremely likeable character. Her logical and simplistic way of thinking was refreshing and continued throughout the book no matter what circumstance she faced at that moment.Tyler is also a nice guy. I loved the TRUE family tattoo, his family except for the mother were all great people.The things that I didn't like in the story were a) the beginning - Rory is not desperate for attention. She knows she can spend her time studying, its what she likes to do. So why on earth was she sat at a friends boyfriends apartment while her two best friends spent time in their bedrooms with their boyfriends. Ummm. Third wheel. Would you really do that? Or if invited wouldn't you just say no, I have better things to do while you have sex with your boyfriend for an hour and leave me in the lounge sipping beer and watching TV with no-personality Grant? I don't know anyone, no matter whether they're shy or reserved or whatever, who would do this. And as for the almost rape? It just came over as a clutching at straws way to get Tyler and Rory together, and it was nasty. b) Very predictable especially when Tyler got arrested and put in prison for 30 days. And also predictable was her fathers reaction. I would have enjoyed it more if her dad had actually come out of his hideaway house and supported Rory. Not all parents are so stereotypical these days. It is a nice story in the end. It did end abruptly, but there was an HEA of sorts.Not the best NA book I've read lately but not the worst either.-CB x

You can reach Erin McCarthy here: 

Web

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Review: Love Unscripted (Love #1) by Tina Reber

Love Unscripted (Love #1) by Tina Reber

Publishers: Atria 

Date: March 6th 2010 

From: Bought 

My rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis: 

Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that accepting a role in an unknown film would toss his career into overdrive. His new fame has cost him dearly; anonymity is no longer an option. His fans stalk him, the paparazzi hound him, and Hollywood studios all want a piece of him. Despite all of that, Ryan Christensen craves the most basic of human needs - to have love in his heart and privacy in his life. Taryn Mitchell, the story's protagonist, is a realist. She's been feigning contentment, running the family pub in Seaport, Rhode Island, while quietly nursing her own internal heartaches. Her feet are fairly glued to the ground and she doesn't buy into all the hype that has descended on her tiny, coastal town. In her world, men are safe if they're kept at a distance. Fate has other plans for these two when their paths cross one sunny afternoon. A group of female fans has attacked him, leaving his shirt torn, his face cut, and Ryan in obvious distress. Bonds between them form from the most dramatic of circumstances while jealousy, insecurity, and the stress of his celebrity life try to tear them apart. Through all the tabloid lies, secrecy, and pressure, can Taryn's peace and Ryan's high-profile insanity live together in harmony?

Review: 

I've read a few rom-com-heartache books in my time but I don't think I've read one that moved me so much as Love Unscripted. I could barely put it down and had so much fun reading it. Taryn Mitchell is a 27 year old girl who doesn't take men lightly. Owner of a pub in Seaport and various other business endeavours she looks after herself and her friends around her. When Ryan Christensen unexpectedly runs into her pub, completely freaked out by a fan mob she hides him and lets him unwind from his trauma. They have a morning of honest friendship and fun. She realises that the actor depicted in the magazines and on TV is nothing like the man currently in her bar playing pool and joking about. She tries not to get too attached to him but she's clearly made more than an impression on him and he pursues her calmly like a gentleman. Soon she becomes part of his life - except his celebrity life is built around paparazzi, pictures leading the wrong impression and lie upon lie about his private life. Taryn tries not to believe anything she reads about him but who can deny what a thousand pictures show? I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, emotional, heart-warming and full of heartache. The writing is brilliant. I felt every emotion going on and had more than a few moments with tears in my eyes. Taryn is a brave and compassionate lead that shows she doesn't have a bad bone in her. Ryan is sincere and kind and trustworthy. Then the breaks start hitting our hero and heroine and nothing is going to be the same again. There is also a stellar cast of side-kicks nicely woven into Taryn and Ryan's story. Other reviewers have complained about the length of the book but in my opinion it was exactly right. You can't cut out the sheer depth that the characters expose, and you can't shorten the story any more without losing the emotional side. For me its been an absolute privilege to read this amazing book. 

 -CB x

You can reach Tina Reber here: 

Web

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ARC Review: Rush Me by Allison Parr

Rush Me by Allison Parr

Publishers: Carina Press 

Published Date: Apr 8 2013 

From: Net Galley 

My rating: 4 out of 5

Synopsis: 

When post-grad Rachael Hamilton accidentally gatecrashes a pro-athlete party, she ends up face-to-face with Ryan Carter, the NFL’s most beloved quarterback. While most girls would be thrilled to meet the attractive young millionaire, Rachael would rather spend time with books than at sporting events, and she has more important things to worry about than romance. Like her parents pressuring her to leave her unpaid publishing internship for law school. Or her brother, who’s obliviously dating Rachael’s high school bully. Or that same high school’s upcoming reunion. Still, when Ryan’s rookie teammate attaches himself to Rachael, she ends up cohosting Friday night dinners for half a dozen football players. Over pancake brunches, charity galas, and Alexander the Great Rachael realizes all the judgments she’d made about Ryan are wrong. But how can a Midwestern Irish-Catholic jock with commitment problems and an artsy, gun-shy Jewish New Englander ever forge a partnership? Rachael must let down her barriers if she wants real love–even if that opens her up to pain that could send her back into her emotional shell forever.

Review: 

This book took me completely by surprise. After reading the synopsis I worried that it would read too cliché but the story and the characters are witty, artsy, slightly off the wall, but most of all fun. Fun that's drenched with fear, worry and a whole lot of buried emotions. A very simple story when it comes down to it. Girl meets boy, boy annoys girl, girl annoys back. Then they meet again and they react to each other again. Eventually they realise that this is their thing. And it carries on from there. They do nice things for each other but sometimes jealousy, doubt, and lack of confidence gets involved and they lose control of their verbal filters and words become hurtful. Both Ryan and Rachael have huge lessons to learn when it comes to love but the best thing they learn is they can't live without each other. Surrounding them is a fantastic group of friends. Eva is wonderful as the theatrical room-mate and the football boys were good fun. It kind of reminded me a little of Love Unscripted, and I loved Rachael and her comebacks. She's nervous, antsy, and her attitude and snark is just her retaliation to being uncomfortable. A great read! -CB x

You can reach Allison Parr here: 

Web

Goodreads