Christina's TOP 10 of 2012

2012 brought forth a whole slew of Amazing books! As you've all read through the year many books are books that will forever stay on my favorites shelf! I hope that the website did what I intended it to do. Help readers find GREAT books to read! Now its my time to share with you all MY Top 10 of 2012!

HERE WE GO....

Click the links to see my reviews!

1. Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

This book was just AMAZING!! I can read this a thousand times!

2. Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson
If you haven't read this you are missing out! AMAZING series!

3. Fragile by M. Leighton
This book was heart-wrenching and so freaking AWESOME!

4. Fissure by Nicole Williams
If you've read about Patrick Hayward you will LOVE this book!

5. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer outdid herself with this one! The alien romance? INCREDIBLE! 

6. Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard
HOLY HOT PROFESSOR EMERSON!! 

7.A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles
Sweet, emotional and chuck full of ROMANCE!! 

8. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Just pure fantastical! What a roller-coaster!

9. Slammed by Colleen Hoover
LOVED & DEVOURED it!

10.Wraith by Angel Lawson
Friendship, Love and Ghost? My type of book! 

THERE YOU HAVE IT!!

What are your faves of 2012??

Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King

Book Description:
 
Seventeen year old Katelyn Richards is a stronger person than anyone will ever know, and that is just the way she wants it. Behind her normal facade lies the reality of a broken home life. Thanks to her abusive mother, a string of deadbeat stepfathers, and an unsympathetic system, Katelyn has learned that the only one she can count on is herself. Her life’s mission has become to shield her nine year old brother, Kevin, and to give him the future that they both wish for. A life with no more abuse, no worries about where their next meal will come from, and no more wondering if they will have a roof over their heads.
When her mother moves them again, this time to a small town in Montana, Katelyn’s resolve is shaken when she meets Max, a cute boy from her new school, who gets a glimpse into her real world. Max slowly manages to break through Katelyn’s wall of distrust, stirring up feelings she never saw coming. Now with her world more complicated than she ever intended, Katelyn struggles with the decision to follow her heart into the arms of the first boy she has ever loved. A decision that could risk the promise she made to protect Kevin, and to give them the ‘someday soon’ that is so close within their grasp.

Christina's BookReview

"I promise to protect you from any more harm, and I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure you get your ‘someday soon.’"

RECAP

Katelyn Richards is used to moving around and not getting attached to anything or anyone. She has been taking care of her brother while her dead beat mother “sleeps” her way through life. So when they set foot in a small town Montana it’s just another town another school and another place they will leave behind. What Katelyn doesn’t expect is the kindness of the residents. Especially the attention that Max gives her.


Will Katelyn finally find a place to call HOME? Or will she continue to push away anyone that gets to close?

MY TAKE

This book was an okay read. I’ve read books by Tiffany and was looking forward to reading this one as well. ALthough it was a good book I wished that it was as addicting as her prior reads. 

I felt like it was the same type of story I’ve read a million times. Girl is living in a rough situation, girl moves to new town, meets a good boy, they fall in love, she pulls away and boy shows her he cares, they live happily ever after. I’ve read it a few times already so reading a similar book was a little bit of a letdown.

I did like it; don’t get me wrong, but what I didn’t like was the insta-love. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters. I felt like the romance lacked depth. Max was perfect. Too perfect and a little boring.

The people in the town were also a little too perfect. There wasn’t any bad in the town, except Katelyn’s mother. Which to me is unrealistic now-a-days.

I understood where Kateyln was coming from with pulling away and I was sad about her home environment and loved her protective instinct for her brother. She was a good female protag. 

Overall an okay book. Likeable characters, good storyline, and a cute romance.

Tiffany is an incredible writer as you've seen in my former reviews of her books! I just think this wasn’t my book. So don’t let me make your decision!

I will let you decide!

HAPPY READING!!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Book Description:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

CHRISTINA'S BOOKREVIEW

"They rattled my cage to see if I’d bite. When they released me, they’d see that the answer was yes."

“The people we care about are always worth more to us than the people we don’t. No matter what anyone pretends.”

RECAP

Life for Mara is about to change on a whole new level. If she thought that her only problem was accidentally getting people killed she has another one coming. In Evolution Mara is faced with new dilemmas and is being stalked by a ghost from her past. One that no one believes is still alive. But she can't be crazy, someone is killing animals, someone is leaving her messages and someone wants her dead. No one will believes her and now she is stuck trying to convince them that she is "normal" when she is nothing of the sort.

In Evolution Noah is the only person that believes Mara. He is with her through all of her rough patches and is dead set on helping her find out who is stalking her. But even Noah see's the changes in Mara and starts to vehemently find answers for her and also for himself. But will trying to find answers lead to his demise?

Will Noah and Mara finally find out what their connection is? Will Noah be able to help Mara get a handle of her "abilities"? Or is Mara suffering from more then PTSD?

MY TAKE

I was going to wait a few days before writing this review because it will help me write a good review. SCREW that!! I read this book in 2 days! Yes 2! This book was totally freaking AMAZING!!!

I was so worried that it would suffer from the "Sequel Syndrome" but HECKS NO! It didn't!! This book was just as great as the first, maybe more! After the cliffhanger in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer we are left with many unanswered questions and yes some are answered in Evolution but what you are left with is a whole slew of other questions! And that isn't a bad thing at all! When it comes to keeping the readers interested and on edge Michelle is BRILLIANT!

Mara is faced with the aftermath of her breakdown in Evolution and the realization that no one believes or will ever believe her. She tries to pretend once again that she's normal so that she won't be admitted. She is tested alot in this book and is thrown a whole new slew of new problems. But you have to admire her for her courage and her strength. She tries to fight back and that it what I loved about her. But there is only one person that believes her and that will always stick by her and that is Noah.

The relationship between Noah and Mara hits a whole different level in this book. A level that I just love! Even though Mara is a handful Noah is there to help her through it all and when they discover that their might be a possible connection between them he is the one that delves into it. He as well as Mara grows a lot in this book. But he is still a little distant with her and I wish he wouldn't be. But Noah is still his cocky, beautiful, and sweet self. His devotion to Mara is so sweet and so passionate that you totally swoon over him! He was and still is my book boyfriend!! Noah Shaw is the IT boy!! :D

The secondary characters are just as wonderful. We get more of Daniel in this book and I loved every part of it. He's the big brother every girl wants! There is also the re-emergence of the one and only Jamie! I was so sad when he was sent away in Unbecoming so I was glad to have him in Evolution and play such a integral part!

Evolution is filled with romance, suspense, action, and laughter! If you haven't picked up this series yet you are missing out!!

PICK this up! READ it! LOVE it!

 

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer-Review HERE

Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown

Book Description:

Ever since Daphne Harper graduated from college, all of her friends have fallen in love, become engaged and walked down the aisle. Be it a blessing or a curse, Daphne (a hopeless romantic and perpetual single girl) catches the bouquet at every single wedding she attends.

Daphne’s love life is a mess. Her first love, Mayson, haunts her heart and keeps her from pursuing happiness with any man who comes along. As she struggles to move on from the one who got away, Daphne wonders if she will ever break her curse and find her happily ever after.

Christina's BookReview

RECAP

Daphne Harper is the “bouquet” girl at all the wedding’s she attends. All of her friends have found their soul mates and walked down the aisle. The only thing Daphne has done is catch the bouquet at their weddings.

Daphne thought she found the love of her life in Mayson, but that was shattered when he turned his back on her and walked away. Years later Daphne still can’t find the one. Because to her Mayson will always be it. And when he comes back Daphne vows to make it work this time.

But will she miss out on a chance at real love? Or will Mayson really be it?

MY TAKE

Ok I have to start off by saying that I truly wanted to be blown away by this book. I heard so many wonderful things and was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed.

For the first half of this book I was just annoyed with Daphne and her obsession with Mayson. The guy did her dirty and left her and she was still strung up on him. And when he comes back and tries to make it right she practically drools over him. I’m not a fan of spineless heroine’s and Daphne was exactly that. And Mayson was a jerk and I didn’t like him one bit. The fact that she forgave him for EVERYTHING he did was ridiculous and made her lose points with me.

The only bright spot were the secondary characters and Tanner. From his first appearance I was all Team Tanner! When he finally became a focus in the book I was content and I enjoyed every part he was in. I also liked when he made his final stand and fought for his happiness. He was sweet, caring, loving but also didn’t put up with being anyone’s second and I loved that about him.

Elise, Morgan and Evan were great friends and I liked that they weren’t blinded by what was happening. I loved Evan and would like to read a book on him and his love life!

So all in all, I liked the second half of this book. The first, not at all.

I will let you to make your decision on it!

The Reluctant King by Rachel Higginson Release Day!

Okay readers so this is a first for me. I've never added a post that wasn't a review! Shocker right? But so true! I decided to take a risk! :-)

What made you do it, you ask? 

Well, at the beginning of this year I read a GREAT series! A series that will have me reading it more then once is hard to find, after Twilight of course. Yes I am a Twi-hard and I'm proud of it! :-) 

But anyways...

So I read The Star-Crossed series by the WONDERFUL, AMAZING, and LOVELY Rachel Higginson back in March and fell in love with it! The series is filled with lots of romance, action, dynamic friendships, hot guys and kick ass females! And now we finally get to have the spin-off for that series! The Reluctant King is set to release TODAY!! Everyone should read the The Star-Crossed Series and then pick up The Reluctant King! I don't think I've stirred any of you wrong yet, so listen to me! :D

Book Description:
 
Avalon St. Andrews has endured Hell and war in an attempt to secure freedom and immortality for his people. Raised and conditioned to be both warrior and leader, he now sits on a throne with his sister Eden, governing the Kingdom in peace. While his people enjoy the benefits of his struggle and loss, he is restless, bored and alone.

Avalon is summoned to fight to save his people once more as the Kingdom is threatened by a brand new evil. In addition to reigning in a kingship he doesn’t want, he is fighting against the very people he has fought so hard to protect. They are determined to throw away their newfound freedom and their newfound leaders.

In this war and in this kingship he feels alone. And for the first time he feels hollow. That is until Amelia Cartier shows up, invading his every thought and shaking up his carefully controlled world.

Now he faces yet another battle—making Amelia his queen.

For a review on Reckless Magic, the first book in The Star-Crossed series click HERE. 

A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Book Description:

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

Christina's BookReview

Recap

Julia Thompson is unlike her sister Alex in many ways. Julia is closed off and keeps to herself. She doesn't let people get close because letting people in opens her up to pain. Pain that Julia is working so hard to repress. There has been too much in her past. When Crank Wilson walks into her life he makes her feel alive for the first time ever. But opening up and letting him in isn't something Julia is willing to do. Not even if Crank tries to show her otherwise. 

Rock star, Crank Wilson has grown up with his share of difficult times. But unlike Julia he lives his life. Not is the best way but its a step up from how he grew up. When Julia stumbles into his life Crank will finally realize what real love is. Determined to show Julia that he can change and is willing to fight for her Crank weathers the ups and downs of Julia's turmoil. 

But will Julia ever open up? Will Crank finally realize that Julia needs to be set free?



My Take

I received and ARC of A Song for Julia from its amazing author and I must say that I was blown away.


In Charles's first book, Just Remember to Breathe, you are introduced to Alex Thompson and are thrown into her world and the world of the man she loves, Dylan Paris. During Alex's journey you are also introduced to the other Thompson girls and although I didn't think of wanting Julia's and Crank's story I am now excited that we did get it!

Julia's story is completely different from Alex's. Although they are sisters there is a gap in age which makes it hard to compare their situations. Julia is so strong but also so closed off to everyone around her. But there is reason to it and that reason makes you quickly sympathize with her. Julia's character is so easy to relate to that in some ways you feel like you are on the journey with her. Her journey of learning to trust in herself and in those that love her. Her past is one filled with so much heartache that all you want to do is reach through the book and hug her. Her pain, her suffering and her difficulty with healing is so heart-wrenching that you can't help but wish for this girl to finally accept herself and accept that she is loved. Bravo to Charles for eliciting those emotions in the readers because as many readers know it takes alot for that to happen.

And this story isn't complete without the amazing Male protag, Crank Wilson. When I thought that no one could be more perfect then Dylan Paris, Charles brings us another contender! Crank is your bad boy with a golden heart. But golden heart just doesn't seem to fit. Its so much more. Crank will make you swoon from his first sentence and then melt your heart throughout the book. Although he has had a rough childhood he is one strong man. His dedication to his sick brother, his family, his band, and Julia is unbreakable. He goes from not giving two shits about anything to wanting to be a better man and his transformation is incredible. I loved him and I'm sure everyone that reads this book will think the same.

Sean, Crank's brother, suffers from Asperger syndrome and seeing what that  is truly like is truly saddening but so incredible. The way Julia quickly becomes the one person that understands him is so amazing and so sweet. Seeing the true nature of the affect it has on a family is an aspect that I truly loved about his book. 

We also get to meet the Thompson sisters again and are again privy to Carrie's world. I for one cannot wait to read her story. She is truly and amazing sister and although she is the epitome of strength I'm sure that her story will be one that will capture our hearts.

So I don't have to say it but I will....PICK this up!! READ It! Fall in LOVE with it!!

Charade by Nyrae Dawn

Book Description:

Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens that picture of perfection.

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it's what he wants too.

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another—losing themselves in each other to forget about their pain. The more they play their game, the more it becomes the only thing they have that feels real.

Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never easy, but neither of them expect the tragedy that threatens to end their charade and rip them apart forever.

Christina's BookReview

RECAP

Cheyenne has had a very rough life.But as long as she doesn't let anyone in she will be fine. After Cheyenne finds her boyfriend in bed with someone else her life takes a drastic turn. Hell bent on proving she isn't affected, Cheyenne is set on showing her ex that she has moved on. Revenge comes in the form of gorgeous foul mouthed Colt.

Colt doesn't have time to deal with anything but his mother and making ends meet.  When Cheyenne makes him an offer he cant refuse, Colt is game. Even if he has to deal with a "princess".

These two are about to find out that it isn't all fun and games. Will they see whats going on? Or will they see it as only a charade and lose the chance of a lifetime?

MY TAKE

This book starts off with a bang. As soon as I started it I couldn't put it down which means I finished it in one sitting. And Omg what a roller-coaster of emotions.

Cheyenne is so closed off and so protective of herself that its sad. But the reader (or at least me) can relate to her situation. She might have gotten a lucky hand later in life but early one Cheyenne had a bad one.The protectiveness, stubbornness and sickness are all understandable. Which is why this book is realistic. Which is also why I enjoyed it.

Colt is in the same boat as Cheyenne but his hand in life never turned to luck. The only good in it is his mother and his time with her is limited. He is so defensive and has so much anger that its heartbreaking to read about. But even with his bad boy ways he had such a tender and loving heart that you cant help but love him instantly. And I must mention the situation with his mother had me in tears numerous times. But Omgoodness toward the end (I will not spoil it) I was sobbing for awhile. It was so heartbreaking.

The author did an amazing job capturing your heart with this book. So it comes down to this...PICK UP THIS BOOK!

Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Book Description:

Alex Thompson’s life is following the script. A pre-law student at Columbia University, she’s focused on her grades, her life and her future. The last thing she needs is to reconnect with the boy who broke her heart.

Dylan Paris comes home from Afghanistan severely injured and knows that the one thing he cannot do is drag Alex into the mess he’s made of his life.

When Dylan and Alex are assigned to the same work study program and are forced to work side by side, they have to make new ground rules to keep from killing each other.

Only problem is, they keep breaking the rules.

The first rule is to never, ever talk about how they fell in love.

Christina's BookReview

RECAP

Alexandra Thompson is trying to recover from her breakup with the love of her life. Every day for 6 months it has been a constant struggle but she is finally able to move on. Until fate intervenes and places her in the same work study as HIM. The guy that has the power to break her resolve with just a smile. The guy that she hates to love.

Dylan Paris has had the worse 6 months of his life. After being heartbroken and losing his best friend to the war Dylan isn't the same. He just wants to break the cycle of pain and do something right in his life. But when he has to confront his decisions Dylan isn't prepared for what's to come.

Will these two ever come to terms with themselves? Or will the mistakes of the past finally break them apart?

My Take

I have been hearing wonderful things about this book for the past few months and couldn't wait to read it. I'm so sad it took me this long! 

This is the first contemporary romance I've read that involved a military protag and I must say it was wonderful! Through Dylan's POV (yes another male POV!:-D) You see into the world of a soldier who has been in war, and having a family of military men I can say that the author did a wonderful job portraying the brutal truth of the aftermath. Dylan's trials and tribulations after his tour was truly tough to read about and made me quickly adore him because of what he had to go through. This book tells the hard truth of the post war affect and although hard to read it was incredible to see the "behind the scenes". Throughout the book I was rooting for Dylan to overcome his PTSD and my heart broke through every painful moment. He was pretty messed up and had a lot of baggage but having someone as headstrong as Alex truly helped him.

Alex was a little too clingy to me at the beginning. The way she was hooked on Dylan was pretty sad at first. But when Dylan is back it opens up the background story to their relationship and it makes you like Alex because of her persistence to help him. She didn't let her wealth or her family get in the way of what she wanted and showed us a kind side of her. Just like Dylan, Alex has her tough times and I admired her for her strength, although at first I didn't see it. She put up with Dylan's sickness which made you like her even more.

The secondary characters also deserve recognition because they added to this dynamic duel's story. The way every one of them quickly accepted Dylan was heartwarming. From Alex's family to her best friend. As well as Dylan's best friend Sherman. He was an amazing friend and I don't think Dylan could have made it without him there to help him and Alex through the tough parts.  I would definitely be stoked if he had his own story as well.

I enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to hear what my readers thought about it. Pick it up! You will enjoy it. Charles is a mastermind! Not only did he hit the nail on the head with the affects of the aftermath of war but also with both POVs.

Going Under by Georgia Cates

Book Description:

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly.

In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?

Christina's BookReview

“When you look back on this moment months from now, don't forget the one word I'm about to say to you, Claire Deveraux. Foreplay.”

Recap

Jessie Boone isn’t your average popular East Franklin high student. Jessie comes from a different side of town and has a different way of living. When he finally has the chance to get a football scholarship to a good school he is prepared to fight for it. But East Fraknlin already has a starting quarterback and he isn’t someone to mess with. When Forbes Henderson shows Jessie just how out of place he is Jessie extract revenge by trying to steal the one thing Forbes has and won’t let go, Claire Deveraux. But Claire isn’t like the rest of East Franklin’s girl. Jessie quickly learns that what starts off revenge turns into something very unexpected.

Claire Deveraux has the perfect life. Great parent, excellent GPA, great friends, a cheerleading and a start quarter back as a boyfriend. But Claire Deveraux isn’t your typical popular girl. Claire hates hiding her true nature to please others. And when Jessie’s Boone decides to rattle her cage Claire will learn just how sick she is of hiding. Falling for a boy from Collinsville was not the plan.
Will these two finally be able to see that revenge isn't always sweet? Will Claire be able to stick next to Jessie after learning his secrets? Or will what they have fall apart?

My Take

I have to say that I loved the premise of this story. I liked the characters and loved all of the humor, angst, and love in this book. While reading I had one statement in my head the whole time: “What you see on the outside is different then what’s on the inside.”

Jessie is one of those badass guys that have the heart and soul of an angel or at least almost like an angel. You quickly understand why he is the way he is and feel for all the crap he has had to put up with. Jessie has his own issues going on but he has a plan, has focus, is incredibly smart and will do anything for the ones he loves. During the book I found myself hoping that his dreams would come true because he deserved it. He was given a shitty hand in life and deserved good. And that good came in the form of Claire.

Claire didn’t put with Jessie’s crap and played her own game. She wasn’t a weak protag which quickly got her on me list. She rattled Jessie’s cage just as much as he rattled hers. The “foreplay” between the two was just hilarious and oh so wonderful. I liked her spunk and I liked her fire. I liked that she took a chance on someone different then she was use to and that she stood by him through the good and the bad.

These two together made for some funny moments as well as lots of loving and heartbreaking ones. You can’t get more realistic then this and the way the author portrayed there story was excellent.

Claire and Jessie made this book good but one person made this book great to read. Claire’s best friend Payton totally made this book much more enjoyable! I totally adored her from her first sentence and from there on out I was looking forward to her moments. When the author mentioned her story was the sequel I was delighted! Payton is the best friend every girl out here should have. She is real, raw and realistic. I cannot wait to get started on Shallow.

The only reason this is getting 4 stars is because at I think it jumped to insta-love pretty quickly. I wanted more of the bickering and sarcasm before they both got on the “love train”.  I felt like Jessie turned into muss really quick.

I would recommend this book and look forward to continuing on with Payton’s story.

Unlovable (Port Fare #1) by Sherry Gammon

Book Description:

Port Fare, New York, has fallen into the clutches of true evil. The Dreser brothers have arrived with a scheme to increase drug sales in the area by whatever means possible. Seth Prescott is part of MET (Mobile Enforcement Teams) a branch of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). He's been assigned to work undercover at Port Fare High, and things aren't going very well, until senior Maggie Brown enters the equation. He's harbored a secret crush on her from day one, and now that she is in the center of the case, he's trying to stay clear and objective while walking the line between business and unrequited love.

Maggie is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes, but is she an addict, or is there another reason for her appearance? She struggles with her feelings for Seth, fearing he is just another person who will eventually let her down, as everyone in her life has done thus far.

Maggie has spent her life caring for her alcoholic mother. A task that has left her heavily burdened and alone. Before long, her mother's health takes a turn for the worst, sending Maggie's life into a tale-spin.

While Seth works relentlessly to inject fear into the dealers and flush them out into the open, Maggie fights to stay alive as the hunt turns deadly.

Seth and Maggie's romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Christina's BookReview

“Please don't hurt me. When you're tired of me, just let me know.”
---
“You could kiss me, we’ve hardly kissed since you’ve come back. You didn’t meet another woman while you were gone did you?” I traced around the outline of his lips with my index finger.
“There are other women out there?” The look on his face was one of genuine surprise.
“Oh, you’re good.” I kissed his cheek. “Did you come up with that all by yourself, or is it a line from one of your old movies?”
“All by myself.” Seth put his arms around my waist and drew me close.”

Recap

Seth Prescott is one of MET finest. With the drug use population increasing in Port Fare Seth is placed undercover at Port Fare High School. When the agency gets news on possible suspects into the drug trafficking ring Seth is assigned to them. What he wasn’t expecting was it to be the one girl that makes him nervous. The same girl that he sort of likes and has a hard time talking too.

Maggie Brown is the type of girl that sends off the wrong vibes. She’s quiet, reserved, and looks like a drug addict. But she is also one of the brightest girls in her class and doesn’t act like a drug dealer or addict. Because she’s not. Maggie has a lot going on in her life and it has affected her in many ways. When Seth Prescott takes notice of her Maggie is hesitant and judgmental against him. But as she gets to know this “spoiled rich kid” Maggie learns that stereotyping isn’t always accurate.

Will Maggie learn to trust Seth? And if she does, will Seth’s secret destroy what is really going on between them?

My Take

This book was GREAT!! I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot lately with a couple of great reads! When I first started Unlovable I was a little hesitant. I liked the synopsis but wasn’t sure after some of the reviews; which showed me NOT to listen to all reviews before judging a book!

I cannot believe that this book was a debut book! This book was full of everything I enjoy in a book; Romance, humor, sarcasm, real situations, and great friendships and the biggest…a Male POV!

Seth was a great character and I’m glad that we got to be in his head during the entire book. He was kind of perfect but also made his mistakes which show you that he isn’t perfect. He kind of does have a good life and has great friends, which you quickly LOVE too! And his devotion too Maggie makes him 100% swoon-worthy. He is definitely on my list.

Maggie makes my list of great female protags. She is one tough chick but has her sweet and loving side. She has been through a lot in her life so she doesn’t let anyone in which drives Seth as well as us readers crazy sometimes. I liked that she didn’t fall head over heels in love with Seth at first and kept it real. You can’t help but hurt for her and the environment she has grown up in. She really is a strong person and to finally see her get her happy ending was the best feeling ever.

And I HAVE to mention two important characters in this book. First being the handsome and hilarious, Captain Booker. He was so sweet but so strict and badass that you instantly swoon over him. The relationship he has with Seth and later with Maggie is so fun and loving that you want more of him. I can’t wait to read his book! Then there’s the adorable Doctor Cole Colter. He is a little bit different then Booker; he is sweet, caring, and gentle.  He was so kind that it makes you wonder why he doesn’t have a family and someone to love. I also can’t wait to read his story.

I was so engrossed in this story that when I hit the final page I was so sad. This is definitely one that I will be rereading again and one I will recommend. I look forward to reading the next two additions to this series.

Becoming Mrs. Walsh by Jessica Gordon

Book Description:

Shoshana Thompson is 26 years old, miles from home, and engaged to be married into one of Washington D.C.'s wealthiest families. Andrew Walsh, her fiancé, is Shoshana's vision of the perfect man. Throughout their engagement, she becomes enamored with his privileged lifestyle.

Rumor has it: when you marry a Walsh, you're set for life. Her socialite sisters-in-law show her how to live in a Walsh-style world, but just as she is starting to get acclimated, this world introduces her to someone who may shake up her perfect wedding plans.

While Shoshana navigates the tricky world of in-laws and societal wedding planning, she desperately tries to ignore her growing feelings for another man. She knows that exploring this love will threaten her existence as a Walsh. But, when she discovers the feelings may not be one-sided, she knows things are about to get a lot more complicated, especially because this man is absolutely off-limits.

As Shoshana learns, the view from the top is not always the clearest.

Becoming Mrs. Walsh is a story of relationships and the richly layered complexity of family, in-laws, and love.

Christina's BookReview

“Rumor has it: when you marry a Walsh you are set for life. Only one thing can screw it up.”

Recap

Shoshana Thompson is about to marry into one the world’s wealthiest family. She has never grown up wealthy and does not fit in with her high maintenance sister in laws. But she is not willing to give up her chance at finally being able to move up in the world. She will learn how to be a Walsh and learn to cope with her future in laws. But when a wrench is thrown into her perfect plan Soshanna realizes that maybe Becoming Mrs. Walsh isn’t a smooth ride. Not when her future husband isn’t the man that she’s in love with. Not when her heart is quickly learning what real love is. And not when she falls for the least expected of people.

Shoshana is about to learn that Becoming Mrs. Walsh maybe isn’t the best idea.

Will she listen to her heart or follow her mind?

My Take

(I was given this book by author in return for an honest review.)

When I read that synopsis for this book I was quickly intrigued and looked forward to starting it. And I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. I think the author does a great job of showing the readers the good and bad of marrying into a different type of family. This one being a wealthy one.

Shoshana is the small time girl wanting to grow into a big time woman. She is marrying one of the wealthy Walsh brothers and has her life planned out. But I couldn’t help and quickly realize that she isn’t in love with Drew but in maybe love with his status. During the book you definitely seem to get that vibe.

Andrew (Drew) Walsh is distant, cold at times, and only has one love in his life. His job. Throughout the book you don’t find many redeeming qualities in him. At least I didn’t. The only thing good about him was that he wasn’t abusive. But how can he be when he’s so detached.

The Walsh girls consist of the Barbie look alike (Ariel), the sophisticated socialite (Zoey) and the glamorous sweetheart (Rachel). Each girl is different and each girl shows the readers what being a Walsh girl means. I personally loved Rachel and loved her relationship with her Walsh man, Alex.

Now for the Walsh Men, we have Drew of course who is everything I said above. There is Erik, who is pretty much quiet and reserved. We can’t forget Alex, who is funny, loving and adorable. And finally there is Mark Walsh.

Mark is a total sweetheart and quickly puts everyone at ease. You automatically like him and as the story progresses he makes you want more and more of him. I liked how he joked around with Shoshana and how he makes her comfortable when the family is a little overbearing. In the end you understand his decision and can’t be too upset with him.

This was a quick and good read. What made me upset was the ending which I’m hoping isn’t the ending because I definitely need a sequel like right NOW. I kind of lost all respect for Shoshana at the end for the decision she made but am hoping that she can earn that back in the sequel. I also could have done without some of the the designer talk.

My 4 star rating for this comes from liking most of the Walsh’s, especially Mark, and because I’m dying to know what happens next.

All in all I think this book deserves to be read so PICK IT UP! You will be entertained and so engrossed in the lives of the Walsh’s that you will be asking for more!

The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines

Book Description:

Fifty Shades of Grey meets Jenny Han’s Summer series in this sequel to The Vincent Boys, where hot romance is the cure for heartbreak. Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn’t easy. Especially when he’s been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember.

Lana has lived her life in her cousin’s shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect. And she’s always had Sawyer Vincent—the only boy Lana’s ever wanted—wrapped around her finger. But now things are different. Lana has a chance to make Sawyer see her, and she’s taking it. If only he’d get over Ashton—because Lana is sick of second-best.

Sawyer’s heart is broken. He’s lost his best girl to his best friend. And then Lana comes to town. Ashton’s cousin has always been sweet and soft-spoken, but now she’s drop-dead gorgeous as well. Sawyer doesn’t know if Lana can heal his broken heart, but spending time with her might at least make Ashton jealous.

What starts as a carefree fling becomes a lusty game of seduction. Sawyer and Lana may have different motives, but their scintillating hookups are the same kind of steamy. . . .

Christina's BookReview

“When I'm with you, my world is complete. When I touch you, I understand the meaning of life. When I lost you, I completely shattered. You. Own. Me.”

Recap

Sawyer Vincent has just had his heart ripped apart, figuratively. After losing Ashton to his brother, Beau Vincent, Sawyer can’t help but be bitter and angry. Ashton is the love of his life, THE ONE, and Sawyer doesn’t have eyes for no one else. What Sawyer doesn’t realize is that Ashton isn’t his ONE. Will Sawyer finally realize what true love is? Or will he hurt the one person that truly loves him?

Lana McDaniels has always been in love with Sawyer Vincent. After learning that Ashton had broken his heart Lana vows to make Sawyer love her. After a stunning transformation Lana is back in town with one mission in mind: Getting Sawyer Vincent to finally notice her.

Things will be perfect right? Not so much. How do you get someone that is in love with another person fall in love with you?

As Lana tries to show Sawyer that there is a life outside of Ashton she begins to finally see the truth. Lana will never be enough for Sawyer.

Will these two finally get their happily ever after? Or will Sawyer never get over Ashton?

My Take

First, OMG! I LOVED LOVED this book!

Second, don’t read this book until you’ve gotten through The Vincent Boys.

Now, when I read the Vincent Boys I was automatically a fan of Sawyer and was so angry with Beau and Ashton that I gave that book 3 stars. (Check out my review for the reasons why by clicking the link at the end of this review.)  So when I heard that Sawyer was getting his story I was excited! Unfortunately I didn’t have the time to get to it when it was released. Well thanks to Simon Teen, The Vincent Brothers was put on sale and I quickly jumped at it. I read this book in one sitting and didn’t do anything but read. And OMG why did I wait so long??

Sawyer’s story starts off a little while after the breakup with Ashton. He is really torn up about what happened but is trying his hardest to be supportive of his brother’s happiness. But as we all know, getting over your first love isn’t something that happens overnight. We see just how difficult this is for Sawyer which makes your heart hurt for him. We also see him change in ways that makes you angry at him.

Then we are introduced to Lana and you can see that Sawyer has owned her heart for a very long time. Because of that I liked her instantly. I wanted her to succeed in her mission of capturing his heart. I liked her spunk and I liked her tenacity. But, I felt bad for her because she grew up in a really tough situation and then had to feel the same with Sawyer. And even though she didn’t see it, Sawyer was changing and we got to see how much.

Everything these two went through was really tough but I was so happy at the end that I just couldn’t stop feeling giddy.

Let me also take the time to spotlight the other characters in this story. Eric was a great friend and I hope that maybe in the future he will get his own story. Maybe with Jewel?
Jewel although she was crazy and not much in the book, she was a good friend and I liked that she was on Team Sawyer the whole time. Lana’s mother although dense at times developed into a good parent at the end and I liked that about her. Everyone deserves a second chance.
And let’s not forget Beau and Ashton, although they are the cause of Sawyers pain I liked that they tried to understand what he was going through.

Anyways, I don’t have to say anymore but this: PICK THIS UP!! Read The Vincent Boys and then read this! You will LOVE it!

The Vincent Boys- Review HERE

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Book Description:

When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn--shy, quiet Brynn--who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her. But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister. Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

Christina's BookReview

Recap

Allison Glenn went from being the “It Girl” to being the town's most hated person. After serving time for a terrible crime Allison is prepared to patch up her relationship with her family, especially her sister Brynn. But Allison soon realizes that forgiveness is not something that can be earned by her loved ones. As Allison tries to get her life on track her sister Brynn can’t escape the memories of that terrible night.

Brynn Glenn was always second to Allison. She was the awkward baby sister and the family’s disappointment. But when Allison commits the ultimate crime Brynn suffers the consequences just as much as Allison. Being known as the sister of the “murderer” makes Brynn’s life a living hell. One she cannot escape from, especially at night. Now with Allison out of prison things are about to get much more complicated.

What no one knows is the secrets that are kept between the sisters.

Can these sisters patch up their relationship? Will the secrets from the past come back to haunt them? Will they be able to overcome the pain from the past?

My Take

Okay so I went into this expecting to be really enthralled in the storyline and mystery of it all. For those that know me, know that I love a great mystery and I try to figure them out ahead of time. Though this one took me on a rollercoaster ride it lacked the depth that was needed in the characters.

The twist and turns in this book were sometimes unexpected and other times shocking. I was so consumed in trying to figure out one half of the story that I completely missed the other half of it.

Although I enjoyed getting to the bottom of this mystery I was disappointed with the writing style. The characters were a little one dimensional and I didn’t feel any sympathy for some of them. This book deals with a very heartbreaking crime and getting the full story of it took the whole entire book and was a little repetitive at times.

Good story but it lacked character depth. I will however read more from Heather because she writes a great suspense-filled book and I loved her work with The Weight of Silence.

Take This Regret by A.L. Jackson

Book Description:

There are some mistakes we make that we will regret for the rest of our lives. For Christian Davison, it was the day he betrayed Elizabeth Ayers. For five years, Christian has regretted the day he walked away from his family and will do anything to win them back. Can Elizabeth forgive someone who has committed the unforgiveable? Or are there some wounds that go so deep they can never heal?

Christina's BookReview

“What do you want, Christian?”
What did I want? To make her smile, to wipe away her tears, to hold her. To be a father, a real father, not one in title, but on who’d earned that right. I wanted to stay.
“I want my family,” I forced through the lump in my throat.”

RECAP

Christian Davison has been living a life filled with regret for the last five years. Every single minute of his days are filled wishing he hadn’t been such a coward and had made the right choice. Unfortunately it’s too late to take back that moment. It’s not too late to try and redeem yourself, though. One moment will change the course of his life forever. A change he welcomes and fights to make. As he tries to make the past right and come to terms with the repercussions of his decisions five years ago Christian learns what it truly means to love.

Elizabeth hasn’t been the same since the night Christian crushed her heart. For the past five years she has tried in vain to forget his smile, his eyes, the darkness of his pitch black hair, the way her heart beat for him. But how can she when her reason for existing is the exact replicate of him? And when he comes back into her life how is she supposed to deal with the anger and resentment that has built in her for the last 5 years? How can she forgive the one person that has and will always hold her heart in his hands?

MY TAKE

Okay let me start off by saying that this book WILL pull at your heart in so many ways. It is filled with romance, heartbreak, and so much adoration.

When you first begin this book you are thrown into the love that Christian and Elizabeth have for each other. A few pages in you are just as utterly heartbroken as Elizabeth is. Nothing could redeem what Christian did and you are infuriated by his cowardliness and lack of respect.

And then we flash forward 5 years. Christian has been living a life of regret and in one moment his life changes. His baby girl is his exact replica.

When we meet Lizzie you can’t help but love and adore her, and want for her to finally have a family. The love and adoration that Christian automatically feels for her shows you just how powerful the bond of a parent and child can be. All of the heartwarming moments that they share will have you smiling like the Cheshire cat. The way Lizzie implicitly loves her dad and accepts that he now wants her, shows you that children are easier at forgiving then parents.

Elizabeth doesn’t have that same view. She is hesitant to have Christian in her and Lizzie’s life and you understand her pain. She must come to terms with that fact that Christian is there to stay and he wants his family. But letting him in is a constant struggle that we witness during the book. Her heartache and pain will match the one you will feel as you read this heartbreaking story.

I cannot continue without acknowledging the role Matthew plays in this entire book. He is the hero that sweeps in to help Elizabeth during her time of need. But he doesn’t make this love triangle. No, Matthew is Elizabeth’s best friend and her backbone. He stepped in when Christian refused to and isn’t going anywhere. He truly is a wonderful guy and you automatically adore him for his protectiveness and love of Elizabeth and Lizzie.

I will acknowledge that this book did have some faults. Such as grammatical errors, repetitiveness, the constant use of Elizabeth and that the writing wasn’t the best.

BUT what it all comes down to is… Buy this book! Read it! Fall in love with this story as much as I did!