REVIEW: Divine Vices by Melissa Parkin

Synopsis

Danger seldom leaves its victims unscathed in the ways of seduction, and this lesson is one that sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster now knows all too well.

Nine months following the traumatic accident that claimed the life of her mother and sister, this high school junior has at last found a fresh start in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine. In the company of her best friends, Ian and Gwen, she’s bracing the usual turmoil of adolescence and taking all in stride… until the new transfer student, Jackson Matthews, comes walking into her life. He’s arrogant, sarcastic, roguish, devastatingly sexy, and the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. But when circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself a bit too close for comfort as their bond intensifies. Plagued by unexplainable events, a sudden string of disappearances, and even a cult-related murder, Cassie begins to fear for her life. Is it all just a coincidence that these happenings began when this Casanova strolled into town, or has she in fact fallen for a real lady-killer, or worse?

 ADD TO GOODREADS

 

(Thank you to the author for providing a reviewing copy.)

The Plot

Cassie Foster lives a semi-normal life. After a tragic accident claims the life of her mother and sister she only has her father. With her two best friends everything in Cassie’s life seems to be going pretty well. But when girls start disappearing and Cassie starts feeling like someone is hunting her, she attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery. Along with her best friends, and an unlikely ally, Cassie learns a little more about who she is and what real dangers surround her.

The Characters

I must say that Cassie is a pretty great heroine. Although she has her moments of jumping to the wrong conclusions she is pretty much a strong heroine. She is a wonderful friend to both Gwen and Ian considering their personalities are all different. She doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do and when she needs to speak up she does so without hesitation. The moment that Jackson Matthew walks into her life everything she has always thought she knew turns out to be so much more. He is infuriating and shallow but there is a part of her that knows there is so much more. The way she handles Jackson gives us a look at the real building of a relationship, I think. Although things pile up against him and he is arrogant and tests her temper repeatedly, she still gives him a chance, even if that chance might put her in danger.

Jackson was a good character. He was your typical swoon-worthy bad boy. He was very secretive throughout the whole book which made it difficult to connect with him. On top of that he was pretty distant most of the times which didn’t really make me life him much.

I have to mention Gwen and Ian because they were pretty integral to his story. Gwen was the best friend that wants to be popular and is chasing boys all the time. But she was pretty faithful to her friends and pretty smart when it came to attempting to solve a crime. Ian on the other hand was the best friend or boyfriend that every girl wants. Although he had his awkwardness he was comfortable in his own skin and didn’t let anyone being him down. He loved and protected Cassie and Gwen which made me adore him. He was definitely Cassie’s rock during this story. I for one can’t wait to read more about him and his abilities. I have to say that I loved his character, maybe even a little bit more than Jackson.

The Romance

I enjoyed the building on Cassie’s and Jackson’s relationship only because it was normal. They hated each other one moment and couldn’t get enough of each other the next. The witty comments between the two were definitely a part of this book that I liked. Jackson brings out the worse in Cassie, but in a good way. She comes out of her shell when he’s around and testing her patience.

The Wrap-up

Divine Vices was a pretty good read. It did have its moments where I just lost interest in the story because of the pace. There were also moments at the end which confused the hell out of me, I’m not sure if it was because the author had a hard time explaining what was going on or maybe too much was happening at once. At the end of the story I really didn’t understand what the heck was going on, other than that they were after Cassie. I think I would read the rest of the books in this series but I’m not anxiously awaiting them either. All in all I would say pick this book up and give it a try. 

HAPPY READING!

~REVIEW~ When Wishes Collide by Barbara Freethy

 

Synopsis

Adrianna Cavello's life changed in an instant when a break-in at her restaurant took the life of her boyfriend and left her too traumatized to return to work. Months later, with everything she's ever wanted on the line, Adrianna makes a wish by tossing a coin into a fountain known for making miracles.

Wyatt Randall is also in need of a miracle. Two years earlier, his ex-wife kidnapped their daughter, and Wyatt is desperate to find his little girl. A new lead raises his hopes, but quickly fizzles out. When his coin clashes with another, he sees what little hope he has flying away.

Adrianna and Wyatt soon learn that they have more in common than two coins that collided. In fighting for the lives they lost, they must learn how to trust again. Only then will they discover that meeting each other and falling in love might not be what they wished for, but exactly what they need.

ADD TO GOODREADS 

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

On a regular afternoon, two strangers meet while making a wish at a fountain. When their wishes collide both realize that there is a reason they were brought together. When one realizes that his missing daughter is the reason, he stops at nothing to get her to help him find his daughter. He believes and knows that she is what he’s needed all along. And while the two search for his missing daughter both come to realize that maybe there’s more reason behind the collision of their wishes. A friendship quickly turns into so much more as they both search for the missing daughter. 

The Characters

Growing up with a difficult childhood after her mother’s death Adrianna has always taken care of herself. Now a chef, nothing has changed. Until the night that takes away someone close to her and leaves her with a crippling fear of life. When she meets Wyatt she finds her true self during her friendship with him.

Wyatt has been secluded since losing his daughter to her vengeful mother. He has given up on life and everyone around him seems to pity him. He spends his day and nights trying to find clues to lead him to his daughter with no avail. When Adrianna gives him his first shred of hope he stops at nothing to follow the clues. And though he seems to be only focused on his daughter he can’t help the emotions that fill him when Adrianna is around. While she gives him hope he gives her the one thing she needs: the will to live her life.

The Romance

Although minimal, there was romance. Both characters find a solace in each other that they never experienced. But first and foremost the story centered on the search for Stephanie, Wyatt’s daughter. They both refused to let desire get in the way of what they needed to do. So while there was romance they fault against it so much that it frustrated the reader and makes it seem like its forced. In end it is wrapped up so fast that you really don't feel like it was love between them.

The Wrap-Up

So all in all When Wishes Collide was a sweet and interesting read. I would have wished to have more of a connection grow between the characters but what we did see was sweet. If you are in need of a quick and light read I would say give this a try.

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

Synopsis

Luke Carney has no idea what possessed him to move back to Shelter Springs, Colorado, to set up his veterinarian practice. His parents have long since left, the small farming community is on the brink of extinction, and only one close friend from his childhood remains--Taycee Emerson, his best friend’s little sister, who isn’t so little anymore.

Then there’s the matter of Shelter’s Bachelorette, an online reality dating show created to raise some much needed funds for the town.

Unwittingly cast as the bachelorette, Taycee wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.
Unwilling to let him break her heart again, Taycee launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. But she’d forgotten that Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~ 

The Characters

Luke was born and raised in Shelter Springs, Colorado so when he is older it is no coincidence that he moves back to his hometown. He looks forward to starting his own vet practice and to reconnecting with his best friends. He was a very laid back character but was not one to play games. He was sweet and romantic when he wanted to be but wouldn’t put up with crap from others, especially Taycee Emerson.

Taycee grew up in Shelter and has never thought of leaving it. She is attached to her hometowns and refuses any changes. She is sweet and caring but holds back a lot because of her fear of change.

The Plot

When Taycee’s best friend sets up a Shelter Bachelorette show in order to help the towns farming industry Taycee doesn’t realize the consequence of her support. When she becomes the bachelorette she is more than pissed at her best friend but she is willing to help the town.  And when she finds out that the boy she loved and broke her heart is now on the show she is hell bent on getting him voted off. So while Luke tries to reconnect with Taycee she pushes back. When she realizes that Luke is not to blame for her heartache things turn around for those two. Unfortunately she realizes that too late and what follow is pages upon pages of drama.

The Romance

The romance between Taycee and Luke takes a while to pick up but when it does is really sweet.  They both reconnect on a friendship level as well as begin to test the waters together as a couple. It would have been good to have more romance but what was there was sweet.

The Wrap-Up

Overall, this was a light and sweet read. I picked this up and finished it in a day so it did have a good storyline. To me the story was a bit lacking and boring at times and could have been made better. I didn’t feel the connection between Luke and Taycee and at times found myself liking her connection with a different character because there was more depth to it.

HAPPY READING!

~REVIEW~ Capstone by Misty Provencher

Synopsis

It's supposed to stink. That's what Cusps do.
The Ianua, Nalena and Garrett's own community, have welcomed them back by charging them as traitors and chucking them into the Hotel Celare's slammer.
And outside the fortress walls, it's no better.
The Cusp is at full-boil as the world finally surrenders to The Fury's lifestyle. Looting, riots, murders—every kind of crime has become the norm—and The Fury want to make it all permanent. They might even succeed, now that they've nabbed all thirteen of the Ianua's Cornerstones.
To preserve mankind, the only chance the Ianua have left is to beat The Fury to the Earth's Core and somehow trigger the Reset.
Like that's easy.
There's no manual on how to activate a Reset. Nobody even knows if there’s an actual Core to the Earth.
Shoot, it could be one big myth; an epic waste of effort.
But the Addo thinks there is one last hope.
Maybe.
So long as someone is willing to sacrifice everything to be mankind's long shot.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Capstone starts off right where Jamb left off. The tables have turn and now Nali, Garret and the rest of the people that escapes The Chasm are now prisoners of the remaining Cura’s. When they try to prove their innocence they are spurned. And when Nali is given a mission by the missing Aldo she has to choose love or life.  But with Garrett by her side Nali is given a strength she didn’t know she had. So as they journey to put a stop to Van’s plans both will endure the biggest test in their relationship. Lives are lost, betrayals are committed and many relationships are tested in this final book.

The Characters

From the beginning on this series I have loved every character in this series. Nali started off a bit weak but her strength grew as the book progressed and I enjoyed seeing her progression. Garrett has always been his wonderful self and I didn’t ever stop being that. He was protective of Nali as well as his family and that didn’t stop throughout the series. My heart truly broke for him through the series and this final book.

The secondary characters in this series are something that I really enjoyed. I felt like everyone had their own little part to play and no one was overlooked.

The Romance

Throughout the series Garret and Nali’s love has been the greatest factor in Nali’s journey. With each other they were able to conquer the bad and good and that didn’t stop in this final book. But when it came down to the end where we wanted this couple to have their HEA I was utterly pissed off. After spending four books reading about the power of their love and the struggle of them being together at times I was so let down with how it ended. I was so pissed that I felt cheated and still do.

The Wrap-Up

So even though this was a good book I have to say that it dragged at times. And like I mentioned above the ending was crap. I’m not usually so upset over an ending because I don’t expect them all to be good ones but this one just didn’t HAVE an ending which is why I’m so upset. Because of those two things Capstone fell down to 3.5 stars.  

So pick up Capstone if you've read the rest, at least to finish the series.

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan

Synopsis

Warning: This is not a story about fate or destiny. This is a story about pain, sorrow, and suffering. This is an impulsive whirlwind romance between two lovers that are not meant to be together. Theirs is not a world with sunshine and roses. Instead, their love blossoms in a secret world full of crime, violence, and death. Their story is about what can be born from nightmares.

Danielle “Danny” West is the daughter of Deuce West, President of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. A sweet and beautiful girl, she loses her way, searching for things that are always out of her reach. Erik “Ripper” Jacobs is the Sergeant of Arms in the Hell’s Horsemen. Once a man who always had a smile on his face, his life takes a turn for the worst when a tragedy befalls him, leaving him scarred and broken. During a midsummer night, Danny and Ripper’s paths cross, forever changing their lives. Hastily, their lust turns to love until another tragedy forces them apart. On a journey that is marred with ugliness and chaos, Danny and Ripper must discover if their unforeseen connection can find the beauty in their world.

This is Danny and Ripper’s story.

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.
Because without ugly, there would be no beauty.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~REVIEW~

Okay so this storyline was okay. I was expecting more from it then what I got. I was intrigued with Ripper's story in Undeniable and couldn't wait to see just how everything played out. Sadly, although we do find out what happened, it felt like his tragedy was a side story. Not enough time was put into his feelings about what happened.I have to say Ripper was softer. He was sweet and had the caring nature that Deuce didn't show much. He was beautiful inside and out. He is one of my favorites and I wish his character was developed more.

Now Danny, I liked her. I liked her accepting nature and the way she fought for her and Ripper's love. She had to deal with alot on her own and didn't have anyone to turn too. I felt bad for her alot through the series.

The downside of this whole book? Their story felt like one of many stories in the book. I wanted the book to only focus on their story and the relationship developing between them. Eva and Deuce's drama is mixed into this just as much as Ripper and Danny's which is frustrating.They had their book they had their story so why give them as much attention in this book?


All in all, Unbeautifully was a good read. I would have liked less Deuce and Eva and more Danny and Ripper development but alas we get what we get. I still love the whole MC aspect and I want to know what goes on with the rest of the club so I will be continuing this series.

I would say check it out!

Happy Reading!! 

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Because without the ugly, there would be no beauty. Because without beauty, we would not survive our pain, our sorrow and our suffering.” 

“If your old man caps me, you better be front and center at my fuckin’ funeral, cryin’ your goddamn eyes out.”  

“And sometimes, love is unconventional and it breaks all the rules and blurs all the lines and basks in its glory, shining as bright as the sun, unapologetically glowing even under the narrowed stares of society and its screaming, self-righteous morals, berating and judging that which it doesn't understand.” 

“All scares tell a story beautiful girl....mine tell the story of how I found you.” 

~REVIEW~ Angelfall by Susan Ee

Synopsis

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Recommended for ages 16 and up.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

Angelfall has been on my bookshelf for the past year and I haven't had the chance to pick it up. Once I did I was intrigued with the storyline and the romance. Unfortunately, I didn't get much romance. :(

Penryn was a tough girl and she had guts which I adored about her. Every since her world collapsed she's been the "guardian" of her wheelchair bound sister and psychotic mother. During one of her moves to a safer place she encounters Raffe about to be killed by other angels and intervenes. Because of her intervening her sisters is taken by the angels.

Intent on getting her sister back Penryn fights tooth and nail to get the rude and arrogant Raffe to help her find the angels. And because she hold all the cards Raffe is forced to comply.

Together Penryn and Raffe journey to enemies territory. However, getting there isn't easy. They encounter a group of humans who are building to fight back and a creature that is like no other they've ever encountered. 

Angelfall is filled with plenty of action but sadly not enough romance. There is something brewing between Penryn and Raffe but it is not the theme of the book. It doesn't take away from the story and I understand that it is a slow building love but I wanted more. I can never have enough. :) I will continue the series and hope to get more of these two together.

It is worth the read!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“I knew from the start that your loyalty would get you killed. I just never thought it would be your loyalty to me that would do it.” 

“I never thought about it before, but I'm proud to be human. We're ever so flawed. We're frail, confused, violent, and we struggle with so many issues. But all in all, I'm proud to be a Daughter of Man.”

“Angels are violent creatures.”
“So I noticed. I used to think they were all sweet and kind."
“Why would you think that? Even in your Bible, we’re harbingers of doom, willing and able to destroy entire cities. Just because we sometimes warned one or two of you beforehand doesn’t make us altruistic.”

HAPPY READING!!

~REVIEW~ Odin's Murder by Angel Lawson & Kira Gold

Synopsis

“Hard time prepared me for many things, but playing research assistant to a flock of nerds wasn’t one of them.”

Ethan Tyrell is out of his element at the College Scholastic Honors Program for exceptional students. But at least he’s out of prison. Keeping his temper and his hands to himself isn’t so easy when an irritating professor demands full participation with a mismatched study group, where he clashes with his roommate’s sister, Memory.

Memory Erikssen is not the kind of girl a boy can forget; she makes sure of that. Quick with both a charcoal pencil and a lipstick, she won’t draw the same line or walk the same path twice, and antagonizing Ethan is a break from the usual academic doldrums.

Ethan and Memory find themselves tangled together by more than their special abilities–and mutual irritation–as members of their team go missing, and they unravel a dangerous mystery that spans centuries of local and distant legends.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

Odin's Murder was just what I expected! It was a wonderful read filled with romance, suspense and interesting history. I loved the crow aspect of the story and was enthralled with the facts and myths surrounding them.

The story revolves around Memory and Ethan and their attraction to each other. Ethan is a bad boy who is sent to camp in order to avoid prison. Memory is just at camp to appease her twin brother, Julian. At first they are not receptive of each other but as the story progresses they can't deny what is developing between them.

As they all research the history of the crows, Julian, Memory, Ethan and Amy come to realize that there is a connection between them. For some reason they are all haunted by the animal they are researching. And as one by one they start to disappear it is up to Ethan and Memory to uncover the truth. One that will change their lives forever.

Angel Lawson and Kira Gold weave a wonderful story in Odin's Murder. I enjoyed reading about the crows and seeing how the story progressed. My only complaint was that Memory's character was not one I connected with. When I reached the end of the book there wasn't anything that made her stand out. The rest of the characters I did enjoy.

I would encourage you to pick this up and give it a try!

HAPPY READING!

~REVIEW~ The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault In Our Stars

Author: John Green

Genre:YA Contemporary

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon

Synopsis

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

~MY REVIEW~



“That’s the thing about pain,” Augustus said, and then glanced back at me.
“It demands to be felt.”

The Fault in our stars has been a book that I’ve been hearing wonderful things about. When I finally had the chance to actually read for leisure I quickly brought this one up. After reading it I must say that although a wonderful story I was not blown away.

Hazel is a 16 year old girl who has been living with lung cancer for three years. Since she is not able to attend school her mother insist that she join a support group with other children that have cancer. But Hazel despises the idea of having to sit in the sessions and hear over and over the same stories from their leader.

The day that Augustus accompanies one of the group members to session, Hazel is captivated by him. When she finds out that Gus is actually one of the few that is survived the “illness”, she admires his courage and charisma. But most of all, his determination not to let his situation make him bitter and angry.

The two quickly find a friendship and love in their relationship that none thought possible.

But then tragedy strikes for one of them.

“You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful.”

Hazel and Augustus aren’t two normal teenagers. No matter how much they want it, they both are battling a sickness that is incurable. Experiencing the POV of a teenager suffering through this sickness makes this a heartbreaking read. No matter how much you want to fall in love with the characters and for them to live HEA you know that this story just doesn’t end that way. Nonetheless, The Fault in Our Stars does make you fall in love with the characters and takes you on a sad but beautiful journey. There were parts that had me tearing up and many that had me smiling.

Now there is the argument that the theme of this book has been done many times over and didn't have anything unique in storyline. Sadly, I agree, only because at the end of the book it just didn't feel like a book that I would read again. Although I liked it, I was bored after a certain part and couldn't connect with Hazel on any level throughout the book. The other characters I did connect with, particularly Augustus. I loved everything about him and his character was the easiest to connect with. 

Overall, a wonderful read. I would recommend that you read it and experience it for yourself.

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ Bad Behavior (Conduct #2) by Jennifer Lane

Title: Bad Behavior (Conduct #2)

Author: Jennifer Lane

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense

Purchase Links: AMAZON ~ B&N

Synopsis

Grant Madsen’s got issues. He’s still battling his Mafia family and doing everything possible to keep his loved ones safe. With the cruising season coming to an end, he has to find another job soon or he’ll rejoin his father in prison. And he’s trying to convince his rebellious teenage nephew to stay away from their criminal relatives (you can imagine how that’s going). But worst of all, Grant’s parole officer has mandated that he attend therapy.

The only saving grace is that they’re couples sessions with his girlfriend, Sophie Taylor, a fellow parolee who’s struggling with a few issues of her own. Sophie desperately hopes her past with Grant’s brother won’t destroy her future with him. There’s a sleazy professor at work who revels in sexually harassing women in the psychology department. And her father still hates Grant.

Their psychologist has his work cut out for him.

When Grant’s ruthless father hints at a plot to get out of prison, Grant must use everything he’s learned in therapy and beyond to try to stop him. It’s a race against time -- and a race to rescue Sophie from the Mafia’s clutches once again. But this time McSailor and Bonnie refuse to play victims. This time the cuffs are coming off.

~MY REVIEW~

“Sometimes I feel like a normal person. Sometimes I forget I’m on parole, that I’m not really free.”

 (Thank you to Jennifer Lane for providing me with an ecopy for review.)

In Bad Behavior, Grant and Sophie still have a lot to work through as they learn to deal with the loss of Logan and the constant threat of the Barbari family. When they are ordered to attend couples counseling, the two set out on a journey of sharing their past with each other. Unknown secrets  and horrific past events come to light that make these two realize just how much they don't know about each other. 

Grant has a past that makes him vulnerable and hesitant to open up in therapy. With the help of Hunter, their psychologist, Grant worked to confront his demons and open up to Sophie about the horrors of his childhood. A process that took the whole book to accomplish, but when it did, set him free.  Even with the meddling of his family, Grant was able to overcome his father’s sadistic hold over him and to find himself.

All the while he was also watching over his nephew Ben and trying to keep the young Barbari on the straight and narrow. As he learned to be an uncle to Bean we got a glimpse into Grant’s compassion and his potential to be a wonderful father. The relationship between those two has me smiling and laughing throughout. And when push comes to shove you see the wonderful growth in Ben. One that had me wishing for a story of his own. :)

As for Sophie, I have to say that although the story was about both Grant and she I felt as though the focus wasn’t on her. This book, to me, was about Grant and his journey in healing. Sophie was there to support him throughout and to help him see the good in himself but didn’t have the problems that Grant had.  She did have her own issues but they were quickly resolved and the focus turned back to Grant.

The thing that made this book so difficult to read was that practically the whole book was spent inside the Hunter’s office. I understood that they needed the counseling but it felt kind of bland to read after a while especially because of Sophie’s hand holding. The way she always rescued Grant made it a bit annoying. I felt like Grant needed to be able to take this next step for himself, without the rescuing. I think it would have been better if the two had some counseling sessions separately. 

So all in all this was a good book. I will read the final book to see what comes of these and encourage you all to read the series!

Happy Reading!

~About the Author~

People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and recently completed the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young and new adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Connect with Jennifer: WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER

~BLOG TOUR: REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Sadie's Mountain by Shelby Rebecca

Title: Sadie's Mountain

Author: Shelby Rebecca

Genre: Contemporary Romance, 18+

Purchase Links: AMAZON

Tour hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis

One fateful night, Sadie Sparks' young life was changed forever. Just as she was discovering love with her best friend, Dillon McGraw, someone else was plotting to take her for his own. Faced with choosing between the fear and threats and a safer life, Sadie leaves her West Virginia home for good.

A decade later, Sadie returns to Appalachia to care for her ailing mother, but stays to fight for the mountain she loves. Her struggles to protect it from being ravaged for coal put her in greater danger than she ever imagined — and back in the arms of the man she never stopped loving. But the man responsible for changing her life so many years ago is determined to keep her under his control. When she decides to break free, will Sadie and Dillon's bond be strong enough to endure the truth about his identity?

~MY REVIEW~

"I am his, and he is mine"

(Thank you to the author and Debra at Book Enthusiast for providing me with an ARC.)

Sadie's Mountain is a story of love, loss, despair, and the will to overcome tragedy. From the moment you begin to read this story you will be emotionally connected to the protagonist until the very end.

After being a victim of rape, Sadie is sent away from her home. The place that she once felt protected and loved and where the boy of her dreams holds her heart. From the very moment HE took away her life, she has not been the same. For ten years Sadie lives in a shell and  sheltered. When she is forced to return home and confront the demons of her past, Sadie realizes that she wants her life back. But this time she isn't alone and she has alot more to fight for.

Throughout the book Sadie turns from this fragile and docile girl to a fierce and smart women. She doesn't cower under the pressure and she fights back against the man that stole her innocence. She was brave and it is what most made me admire her. Don't get me wrong she had her moments where I wanted to shake some sense into her but those were rare. She fought for her life and for her chance at love and in the end she won much more.

The relationship between her and Dillon was so pure but tainted with the tragedy of the past. But his never failing devotion and love for her was in the end Sadie's biggest strength. Although she pushed him away he pushed back with just as much intensity. They were wonderful together and I am so glad that they were able to both get their HEA.

Now I know you are wondering why the 3.5 stars and I want to explain that. I thought this story was wonderful but I also thought it had it's flaws. If there was something I would have liked in this story it was for the writing to be a bit better. There were times when I just cringed while reading because of the words used or the reactions that characters had. One example of this is parts in which the author used giggle to describe Dillon's laugh. It just didn't sit right with me and it felt weird. This might be my issue alone but its one that I couldn't get past. And then there is the rape scene. It was a pretty explicit scene and it made me so uncomfortable that I had to put the book down for awhile. I understood why the author wrote it that way but its such a delicate subject that it was hard to read through it.

Other than what was mentioned above, Sadie's Mountain is a wonderful story and should be read.I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

HAPPY READING!

~About the Author~

Originally from Wasilla, Alaska, I now live in Northern California in my first real house with my husband, John, daughter, Elise, and our two mutts, a beagle and an Australian terrier. I’m a vegetarian with a unique accent that merges Alaskan vowels with Valley Girl, and I love Ryan Gosling—but who doesn’t. The eco-theme in my book comes from being Healthy Child Healthy World's first ever Mom on a Mission in late 2009. My story was featured in People Magazine, Lifetime's Remarkable Women series, The Sacramento News and Review, and is a highlighted story on the advocacy website Care2. Sadie's Mountain is my debut novel.

~Connect with Sadie~

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~GIVEAWAY~

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