~REVIEW~ Breaking Free by SM Koz

 

Synopsis

Kelsie Sullivan’s life has changed forever. The once outgoing cheerleader has a secret to hide. The car accident that killed her best friend Jenna? She caused it.

With an absent father and unforgiving stepmother, Kelsie has nowhere to turn. She manages her guilt and grief with razor blades. The fleeting release she experiences becomes an obsession and soon she can no longer hide it. Once her cutting is revealed, Kelsie’s parents enroll her in a Wilderness Therapy program designed to rehabilitate troubled teens, but North Carolina is a world away from California.

Kelsie fights against everything the program has to offer until she befriends JC, a boy with a tortured past of his own. He’s also the only one who is able to ease her pain. The two grow close, but quickly discover that nature—both human and elemental—can easily rip them apart.

Disclaimer: This book contains adult language, sexual themes, and explicit self-harm behavior. Parental discretion is recommended for those under 15 years of age.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**

The Plot

Breaking Free starts off with Kelsie in the present time recounting her life for the past few months. A past that included her best friend, a guy she loved and many tragic events that shatter her will to live and be strong. Told in the present and past, Breaking Free tells the story of her journey to finding her strength to live and to accept that which she had no control over. Through it all she finally finds the love she has never had in the most unlikely of people. People who stand by her through it all, even when she is at her cruelest and weakest points.

The Characters

If there is one thing I dislike are weak heroine. Fortunately, this was not the case with Kelsie. Although at first i wanted to strangle her because of her stuck up attitude, as the story progressed we finally got a view of her life. A life where she had no love or family but her best friend that she loved beyond anything in the world. Her pain and her guilt was so heartbreaking and so real that you cant help but feel for this girl that  has lost all she held close.

Now JC is something else. From the beginning you cant help but quickly adore him. Against his better judgement and his situation he helps Kelsie find the strength in her. With his stories and his tenderness he gives Kelsie what no one beside her best friend has given her, love. But like the rest of the Wilderness pack he holds his own secrets and his own demons haunt him. While he helps Kelsie he doesn't confront his own until confronting them becomes the only thing that makes him whole.

The Romance

JC is everything Kelsie despises at first. But from the moment he helps her there is not stopping the growing friendship between the two. As Kelsie work through her demons JC becomes her light in the darkness and that type of connection blossoms to so much more. A love that's so pure and healing.

The Wrap up

What i first was hesitant about this story was the jump from present to past. I was not happy about it starting the book but after those two first chapters I couldn't have read this book any other way. It was not confusing and it made the story what it was. I cannot say much more but when it releases you need to pick this up and read it. Love it.

HAPPY READING!

Favorite Quotes

"'Aren't you supposed to be learning some life lesson about self-reliance?'

'I think I've learned it. When someone is better at something than you, accept their offer to help.'"

"He wanted to see you. The whole you. The good, the bad, and the ugly, and let you know that he accepted you. Every last bit of you."

"Things have taken a turn for the worse. No time to write, other than: I Love you, Mal. No matter where we are of what you do. Never forget that.

~REVIEW~ Mine to Spell by Janeal Falor

Synopsis

Cynthia has always hidden from her father’s hexes behind her older sister. When her family gains independence unheard of for women, she’s relieved that her days of harsh punishments are over. But as her seventeenth birthday approaches—the typical age to be sold to a new master—death threats endanger her sisters. She now faces two options: run or meet society’s expectations.For once, Cynthia isn’t going to let her older sister shield her from the problem. She’s going to prove to herself, her sisters, and society that her family isn’t a threat to their traditions. She willingly chooses to be purchased by a new master. A bold step that takes her somewhere she never thought she would go and to a man she might possibly fall in love with. With his help, she may just find a way to save her sisters while discovering how to stand up for herself. If she lives long enough.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

**ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review**

The Plot

Even though in You are Mine Serena finally showed the Chardonian that women could be free. but things didn't change much. Now that Serena owns her family she mist still abide by Chardonian customs. That includes putting sixteen year old Cynthia into the marriage pool. If she does not the family would not be safe. So Cynthia does what is demanded of her. She enters the marriage pool but only to find out that her life would never be the same. Unlike her sister Cynthia has a secret that if found out could kill her. When she had no other choice but to reveal it she faces her biggest trial ever. Showing the women of Chardonia what her sister couldn't. That their magic is so much more.

The Characters

Unlike Serena. Cynthia was the complete opposite. She lived the same life as Serena but went against the grain in her own secretive way. She was impulsive at times but loved her family fiercely and wanted to break free of the constraints the women of Chardonia always lived in. Starting off as a weak character she slowly learns to finally find strength in herself to face the toughest battle ever.

Then there is Lukas. A  Chyron that is exactly like Zade but different as well. Where Zade kept to himself and said few words, Lukas was an open book. He was supportive of Cynthia even knowing the harm that could come to him. He is fiercely protective of her as well as the cause he is apart of. He was just as or more wonderful than Zade.

There are also the former characters from the kine series in the book tat are just as great and just as evil as always.it was wonderful to read more about Serena and Zade and their growing relationship. Their are also new characters that make the story so much more interesting.

The Romance

One thing that I always wish more of is the romance. I was not disappointed with having more of it in this book but still wishes for more. :) The relationship between Lukas and Cynthia was sweet and innocent but also intense and passionate.  The partnership that they both have makes their relationship so much more exciting and stronger.  

The Wrap Up

MINE TO SPELL was just as wonderful as You are Mine and Mine to Tarnish. I enjoyed Cynthia's story and cannot wait to see what happens next. With its cliffhanger you just know there is so much more coming. I cannot wait.

HAPPY READING!!

~REVIEW~Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

 

Synopsis

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland — known as The Death Shop — are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent energy storms will. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild — a savage — and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must come together to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

IN UNDER THE NEVER SKY we Aria is a Dweller that lives in a world where everything is perfect. There are no sickness, no arguments, no hurt, and much more that we all wish for in a perfect world. when she angers their leader she is thrust into the world they have always feared. The REAL. Aria has no idea how to come to terms with her new predicament but she does know she must find her mother.

In "The Death Shop" Aria is continuously rescued by an "Dangerous Outsider" and has no way of escaping him because she is his only means to rescuing his nephew. Together they embark on a journey filled with threats of death, betrayal from those they trusted, and the fear of the Aether storm, which can disseminate them in seconds.

The Characters

Aria starts off as a clueless girl. She has always had questions about her the world she resides in but has been content with the protective shell she lives in.  When her mother goes missing and she is banished from her world she finds herself lost with no idea what to do next. When she meet Perry she is afraid of him and angry with his treatment of her. But as she comes to learn the ways of the world she is now living in she experiences changes she never would have had in Reverie. Her need to find her mother and later to save Perry's nephew consumes her and inspires her to learn as much as she can about herself and her potential. She was frustrating at first but then turns out to be a wonderful character.

Perry is so intimidating and so closed off when we meet him that its hard to know what to expect from him. The one thing we know off the bat is his fierce protectiveness of his nephew and his wish to help his people. That alone will have you wanting to know more about him. When he meets Aria he is angry at himself and at her for the predicament they are in but he is willing to fight for both of their missions. He detest Aria at first but as he comes to learn about her he starts to grow fonder and protective of her. Until protecting her becomes as important as finding his nephew.

The Romance

What starts off as a hate relationship quickly turns to one of friendship. Throughout the story both characters learn alot about each other and come to terms with the struggles they encounter. Little by little Perry and Aria learn to work together to accomplish their mission. During that time friendship turns into a fierce need to protect each other. A love is born that neither saw coming.

The Wrap-up

This was a wonderful start to what I can only assume is a great series. I cannot wait to start book 2 and see what is in stored for both these characters.

HAPPY READING! 

Favorite Quotes:

“People can be cruelest to those they love.”  

“Aria... everyone feels lost and low. It's how a person acts that makes them different” 

“The more I try to catch up, the farther I fall behind.”

  

“Because people are more than emotions. People have thoughts and reasons for doing things.”

~COVER REVEAL~ Flat-Out Celeste by Jessica Park

We were introduced to Celeste in Flat-Out Love and readers wanted more! Well, more they shall have! Look at this amazing cover and take a peek inside FLAT-OUT CELESTE!
COMING SOON!

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love..

For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation.

But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.
Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him.

Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.

 ~Excerpt~

There was a knock at the door and Matt leaned in, swinging a brown paper bag in her direction. “I heard Mom made stuffed peppers tonight. Last time she made those, I nearly died from flatulence. I assume she stuffed them with her usual repulsive ground chicken, quinoa, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranate seed mix?”

Just the sound of Matt’s voice made Celeste relax. She smiled at him. “Based on the smell, I believe you’re right.”

“So you didn’t eat then? I was right!” Matt flopped onto her bed and lay down, his long body scrunching up the neat white comforter that she spent ten minutes arranging before she’d gone to school this morning. “I thought I’d take a break from studying and bring you something edible.”

“It smells like a burger from Mr. Bartley’s,” she said as she got up and took a seat next to Matt. “Hand it over, thoughtful brother.”

He tightened a hand around the top of the bag. “You have to guess which kind I brought you first.”

“How am I supposed to know?”

“Close your eyes.”

She did as instructed and felt him move the bag under her nose. Sweet, spicy... a bit garlicky. “Aha! Boursin cheese and bacon! The Mark Zuckerberg burger!”

“And sweet potato fries and a bottle of iced tea, but you win. A burger named after ‘the richest geek in America,’ as the restaurant calls him.”

“You will be the richest geek in America after you finish your Ph.D. Program,” Celeste said through a mouthful of fries.

“If M.I.T. doesn’t land me in a psych unit first.”

“You only have this year left to endure. And you will hardly find yourself in need of psychiatric care, Matthew. You are doing stupendously.”

“I’m scraping by.” Matt reached into the bag and grabbed a handful of fries and opened her iced tea.

“You are not ‘scraping by.’ You are assistant teaching classes, excelling in your own, and in all ways performing to standards that exceed even the high ones our mother set for you.” She frowned as he chewed on the fries. “Did you not eat?”

“I did. A Big Papi burger and a Fiscal Cliff. But you can never have enough sweet potato fries.”

“I have a finite amount of my own from which you are stealing. But I shall not complain because this was very kind of you.”

Matt chewed and studied her. “Are you okay?”

“Why do you ask?”

“No contractions. When you’re stressed out, they disappear.”

“I know. But most days I do not care to use them. If it is an effort, then I do not push.”

“Okay. I get it.” He chewed for a minute. “I heard your presentation went well. Did your friends like it?”

“It went marvelously. My friend Dallas took me aside to share quite the flow of compliments.”

“That’s great, Celeste.” He was downing half her iced tea.

“And then I bitch slapped her.”

Matt choked on the drink and desperately tried to clear his airway. “I’m sorry. You did what?”

She cocked her head. “I bitch slapped her.”

“That... that can’t be right,” he sputtered. “I mean, I hope it’s not.”

“I slapped my hand against her hand. Up in the air.” She looked at Matt blankly. “Is that not the right term?”

“Thank God, no, it’s not. I think you mean a high-five.”

“If you say so. Well, either way, it happened. You know I have trouble with colloquialisms, so I resent your shocked reaction.”

“I do know that about you, and I apologize.”

“Since we are on the subject, there is something else I would like for you to clarify.”

“Shoot.”

“What is meant by ‘nut bag’? Is that a testicular reference or merely the identification of a satchel of cashews or pecans?”

Matt groaned. “This conversation has gotten really weird. Could we just talk about— Wait a minute. Why are you asking me this? Did someone say that to you?” He looked angry.

Celeste picked at her fry. “No. Certainly not. I heard the term and had a natural curiosity.”

“Okay then...” Her brother crumpled up the paper bag and then smoothed it out in his hands. Then crumpled it again. “It’s the same as ‘nuts.’ You know, crazy.”

“Thank you for the definition.” She took the last bite of her burger and wiped her hands on one of the paper napkins. It shouldn’t matter what her classmates thought of her. Celeste would just be strong about this. She would move on.


PURCHASE

 FLAT-OUT LOVE and FLAT-OUT MATT on AMAZON. FLAT-OUT LOVE at B&N.
 
~About the Author~
 
Jessica is the author of LEFT DROWNING, the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (and the companion piece FLAT-OUT MATT), and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.

Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook or Twitter

~REVIEW~ Real by Katy Evans

Synopsis

 
A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Brooke meets Remington at a boxing match. They kiss fall in lust and so Remington hire Brooke as his physical therapist. As the two spend time together the sexual attraction between the two magnifies until they both give in. AS soon as feelings start to arise between the two Brooke has to learn to deal with Remington’s condition, Bipolar Disorder. As she tries to help Remy she also deals with family matters that put her in difficult predicaments.

The Characters

So I only liked Brooke at times. She had to give up her dreams because of an injury but was strong enough to overcome her depression. That made me like her initially. Then when she meets Remy my feelings for her just go down the gutter. All she does is obsess about wanting him and how beautiful and manly he is on every damn page. There were few moments I actually liked her and those were when she was helping Remy when he went “Black”. Because there were only a handful of those I can’t say I liked or connected with her character much.

Now Remy I kind of liked a bit more because of his past and what he was dealing with. I liked the parts where he actually talks and where he shares his feelings with Brooke through music. The times he played songs for her were sweet and adorable. He was an enigma that I wanted to know more about. If the two didn’t spend the whole time wanting to and doing each other I would have liked having more of his story and of him opening up to Brooke and those that loved him. Sadly I won’t suffer through another book even to get the answers I want. 

The Romance

Umm, the romance…I don’t know what to say about it because to me there were few moments of it. The times Remington played music for Brooke, the times he defended her and she took care of him were the only times I saw any semblance of romance. Other than that it was about how they wanted to do each other.

The Wrap-Up

Okay so if this story weren’t’ filled with sex or foreplay on every page I would have liked it much more. I just couldn’t get through the “omg he so lickable” “Omg he is so gorgeous” “omg he’s making me wet”. I just couldn’t take it. It took me two tries to finish this book and by the end I was just happy I got through it. Remy’s background story was what made me continue this book. When it wasn’t all about doing each other the book had promise. Sadly it was ALWAYS about licking, how hot they were for each other and doing each other. So yeah I’m not going to recommend this book but if you want to give it a try I would say it doesn’t hurt. Many friends of mine have loved the book

~REVIEW~ MARKED by Elisabeth Naughton

Synopsis

THERON - Dark haired, duty bound and deceptively deadly. He's the leader of the Argonauts, an elite group of guardians that defends the immortal realm from threats of the Underworld.

From the moment he walked into the club, Casey knew this guy was different. Men like that just didn't exist in real life--silky shoulder-length hair, chest impossibly broad, and a predatory manner that just screamed dark and dangerous. He was looking for something. Her.

She was the one. She had the mark. Casey had to die so his kind could live, and it was Theron's duty to bring her in. But even as a 200-year-old descendant of Hercules, he wasn't strong enough to resist the pull in her fathomless eyes, to tear himself away from the heat of her body.

As war with the Underworld nears, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Never feeling like she fits in, never relating with the people who she encounters, and suffering from a terrible sickness. Those are only half of the problems Casey encounters in her life. Her world changes when she bumps into Theron at her job. Theron is an Argonaut and has a job to do, which includes delivering Casey to the King of Argolea. But the King isn’t the only one that wants Casey and Theron soon learns that protecting her from the daemons after her is much more vital. They are after Casey in order to stop a prophecy from being fulfilled but what Theron and others learn quickly is that there are always secret hidden, even among your kind. What starts off as a mission to bring Casey back to Argolea so that she can fulfill the prophecy changes when he gets to know more about Casey and the world she belongs too.  

The Characters

Casey is a wonderful heroine. I felt bad for her at times because she was bombarded with the truth of who she was and had to accept it quickly. She lived a life where she didn’t feel part of the world and she was lonely throughout it. And throughout it all she doesn’t ever let it bring her down. She is sweet, generous and loving but also fierce and courageous. She also loves books which just makes her perfect. J When she learns that he is a Miso she takes it in stride and is selfless as she makes decisions about her life and others. I admired her throughout the book but was also frustrated because most of the book she was a lovesick puppy. It was always about how delicious, tall, handsome and strong Theron was every time they were together. Her sexual frustration just seeped through every other page.

So Theron, what can I say about him? He was everything an Alpha male would be: tall, handsome, possessive, angry at the world, always craving sex, and protective. He is the leader of the Argonauts and lives his life killing daemons and extracting revenge. In the beginning there is no humanity in him which makes him hard to connect with. As he spends time with Casey little by little you learn to connect with him a bit more. But again like Casey he was filled with lust every other page which has you questioning if that’s all he wants from her. Nevertheless he was a hero throughout the story and had his wonderful moments throughout. The moments where he was weak were the moments you got to see more of the man he is and the leader he is destined to be.

The Romance

The attraction to each other is quick between these two. Throughout the whole entire book they cannot ignore how much they want each other. But what starts off as just a desire quickly becomes much more between them. The moments that they can fight off the desire are few but give you a chance to see the other side of Theron and those are the moments I enjoyed the most. When he isn’t aroused and wanting to devour Casey you get to know much more about his tender side and see how he really does love and care for Casey  as well as his race.

The Wrap Up

This book had two of my favorite things, romance and mythology; I have to say that I was quickly enraptured. I can’t wait to read more of the other Argonauts, specifically Demetrious, Orpheus and Zander. I also can’t wait to read more about Nick and the rest of the Miso’s.  Now I must warn that there are various POVs in this book and some are short and I was worried about that but in the end it helped us understand the whole story. I've order the next two books in the series and cannot wait to start them! So yes, pick this up and read it!

Happy Reading!

Favorite Quotes:

“Those are my people. That girl is one of my race. So don’t you dare tell me this is none of my business.”
" Never question your ability or what destiny has called you to do. This is your Star Wars moment, my son. Stand up and do what you were meant to do.”

~REVIEW~ Fighting for Infinity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Synopsis

Every moment, every lifetime, every decision—including her choice to erase—has led Maryah to this.

Two outcomes are possible: an infinite happy-ever-after with her kindrily or the final severing of her relationship with Nathan.

Closer to the enemy than ever before, Maryah unravels the diabolical plan that Dedrick has been manipulating into place for centuries. Revelations, secrets, and lies surface faster than Maryah can process. She doesn’t know who to trust, what to believe, or how to save her loved ones from the desolate future Dedrick is so close to executing.

Guided by an enigmatic raven-haired prisoner, Maryah fights body and soul to save Nathan, her kindrily, and countless others. But is her love strong enough to alter a prophecy written in the stars?

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Being the final book in the series FFI wraps up Maryah and Nathans story in a wonderful way. This book will answer all of our brewing questions and will have you at the edge of your seat. Throughout book 1 and 2 Maryah has wanted to remember and to know why she erased and in this final book we finally get the answer. An answer I did not see coming! While there are many sweet parts in this book some of it is utterly revolting. Dedrick is on a mission and during that mission he stops at NOTHING to get what he wants.

The Characters

So Maryah frustrated me a bit in this. Throughout the book I wanted her to actually listen to what people were saying but NO she just freaks out all the time. She feels hopeless and helpless throughout most of the book and that was frustrating to see, seeing as how powerful she was in her past lives. Her Kindrily held her hand so much that she became despondent on them. The only time that begins to change is when she meets Rina. Nevertheless, it was a journey seeing her find herself and I did like how her resolve to learn and try lead her to finally finding herself.

So Nathan on the other hand was his regular sweetheart. He has been through so much heartache after losing his “twin flame” that throughout the book you want him to finally get his HEA. But that doesn’t come without consequences and barriers. He has to learn to have faith in Maryah the same way he had in Mary and it’s something he struggles with because of his need to protect Maryah. He learns to not be the leader all the time and in some way learns to have more faith in those around him.

Now this book would not be a perfect without the Kindrily. All sixteen members are just as amazing in this as they were in the previous books. We see more of Krista and Carson’s new relationship as well as catch up with Harmony and Gregory after their reunion. We also meet new members of the Kindrily that will have you smiling from ear to ear; some who you expect and one in particular that will have you squealing with joy. I can’t say more without giving it away so you will have to read and find out! :)

The Romance

I have to admit that in Taking Back Forever I felt like we didn’t get a lot of Maryah and Nathan, at least not enough for my liking. In FFI there was the love and really romantic ending but because Maryah is on a different journey this time she and Nathan aren’t together a lot during the book. The times they are, is spent discussing plans to get rid of Dedrick as well as save their loved one. Don’t get me wrong though the “new” relationship between both characters is still growing and we get to see Nathan try to help her remember as well as come to love and have faith in Maryah and Mary as one person.

The Wrap-Up

Although I was frustrated with Maryah a lot throughout this book and some parts lagged a little I wouldn’t not read it again! There are so many things we learn and some AMAZING characters in this series that I really just want more! I want more of Krista and Carson’s relationship but mostly more of Rina and Dakota. So here’s my plea Karen for more Rina and Dakota!! :)

Happy Reading!! 

Favorite Quotes:

"You never have, nor will you ever burn out. You are the light of all my lives. Then, now, and eternally."

"People they come together. People they fall apart. No one can stop us now "Cause area all made of stars."