REVIEW: Vain by Fisher Amelie

Book Summary

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Sophie is a pretty shitty person. She uses everyone around her and only cares about herself. She lives an uninhabited life and doesn’t care who she has to stomp on to get her next high or low. When a night of partying turns into a disaster Sophie is not ready for what’s coming next. Fed up with their daughter’s reputation and antics, Sophie’s parents decide to ship her off to Africa. A journey that changes everything within the course of a few months. Her new home is not posh and wonderful like LA, and partying is not an option. With the guidance of her new bosses, her new job, and Ian, Sophie soon realizes that she is the creator of her destiny.

Africa is not anything like LA. There is poverty but there is also a group of malicious humans that murder women and their young. Sophie must come to terms with her new world and learn to accept that her life is changing. No longer does she crave her old life. She lives for waking up to the laughs of her students, the warmness of her peers, and a man that shows her just how much she deserves to be loved.

This leads me to the romance in the book. Three words, it was wonderful. I enjoyed the building relationship between Sophie and Ian and loved the tension at the beginning. I found Ian to be pretty incredible and his decision to stick with Sophie was really kind. There were moments where these two were frustrating but they didn’t outweigh the moments where their love and friendship blossomed.

I can’t say enough how much this book captivated me. To be able to have a small peek into the real world problems in Uganda was heartbreaking but eye-opening. The struggle and the realness of this story had me turning page after page and ignoring everything around me. It focused on real issues, had characters you connected with, as well as a wonderful love story imbedded into its pages.

You should pick up this book and expect to tune out the world as your delve into Sophie’s journey.

HAPPY READING!

~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~ Runes by Ednah Walters

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

~MY REVIEW~

“True love transcends logic, Freckles. It’s a blending of minds and souls.”

“It makes us feel and see things in ways that normal people don’t. You don’t question it or try to understand it. You just accept it for the gift it is. "

The Plot

When Raine’s swim team is hit with a case of misfortune she starts to suspect that the new members in town have something to do with them. When she starts to notice the runes that are all around her she doesn’t act naïve and demands answers that she doesn’t get. The runes hold the answer to her questions but no one can reveal to her what they mean so for most of the book we spend it trying to figure them out. Along the way Raine must deal with her connection to all the events going on and her guilt over the horror that has befallen her swim team.  As well as the loss of her father, her love for her best friend and her growing feelings for her neighbor.

The Characters

Raine was such a wonderful heroine. She lives a typical normal teenage life. The only issues she has to deal with his her missing father and her crush on her best friend. But she is like any teenage girl and she enjoys her life. When the mysterious Torin St. James moves next door his cockiness and arrogance makes her furious but she doesn’t let him get to her. She was feisty and fought back when she needed to but always sweet and caring of those she loved.

Torin was just GREAT! He comes off as an arrogant bad ass but there is so much more to him. He has a destiny that he didn’t know he was choosing and has been living with the repercussions for eternity. When he moves next door to Raine he knows what his job is and holds no attachments to anything. That of course changes when he actually meets his new neighbor and is she doesn’t fall for his charm. So although it’s against the rules Torin breaks all of them realizing that his need to protect Raine transcends it all.  Like every girl in this book you will definitely swoon for Torin and fall in love with him as you learn more about him and his story.

Some of the secondary characters are equally as wonderful. Cora and Eirik are Raine’s best friend and through it all they are her biggest supporters. They all look out for each other and are there for each other through all the good and bad times.

The Romance

Okay so this book has a bit of a love triangle. Something I detest. But I like when there is really no competition just indecision. I adored Eirik, Raine’s best friend, he was caring and protective of her. It takes him a long time to get the nerve to finally take things to the next level but when he does he is wonderful. Unfortunately, he seemed very distant at times and secretive. I have my questions about him and wonder what his part is in this whole storyline.
Now Torin on the other hand was no match for Eirik. The moments between him and Raine were so intense and so funny. They both fought and loved passionately when together. The chemistry between them engulfed the pages and had you wanting more of them. So when things don’t turn out great or when they try to fight what is growing between them it is a sad and frustrating.

The Wrap-Up

I was blown away by the storyline and characters! Runes was a great start to this series and I can’t wait to continue! This book has great characters, a great storyline and a great cliffhanger that has me wanting to read more! If you are a fan of YA Paranormal Romance this is the series for you! Pick it up now!

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ King Sized Beds and Happy Trails by Cassie Mae and Theresa Paolo

Synopsis

Book One in the Beds Series

Written by authors Cassie Mae and Theresa Paolo under the pen names Becca Ann and Tessa Marie

Lexie Boggs needs out of her house… away from her alcoholic mother and far away from the “white trash” label that’s been smacked across her chest. She’s saved every penny from her multiple jobs so she can dart out of there as soon as she graduates. But there's something else she wants so badly she's willing to spend every dime she has. Her senior class trip and the chance to seduce the senior hottie, Sean Dixon.

Ryan Parker knows how much college means to his best friend, Lexie. He also knows Sean is a player on a search for how many girls he can get in his bed. So instead of letting Lexie drain out her piggy bank, he forks out the dough to get her on the senior ski trip. Not only because she’s his best friend, but because he’s face-planted in love with her.

When Ryan and Lexie get jammed in the same cabin, with one king-sized bed and a whole lot of history, Ryan fights to keep his feelings hidden, while Lexie discovers some of hers.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

Do you know how hard it was to rate this book? Extra hard. The reason being that Cassie has written some awesomesauce books. I’ve enjoyed the others I’ve read and when I picked this one up I didn’t have a doubt in my mind I would enjoy it. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.

The Characters

Ryan and Lexie both grew up with terrible mothers and both found a connection that brought them close. Ryan although saved by his grandparent never gave up on trying to save Lexie. He was a likeable character and was very protective of Lexie in a way that makes you smile throughout the book. I enjoyed his POV much more than Lexie. Lexie didn’t get away from her mother and deals with her mother’s reputation on a constant basis. Lexie was an okay character to me. She whined a lot, cried a lot and didn’t really have a backbone.  

The Plot

The storyline to this book was “girl and boy are friends, girl likes another boy, girl realizes she loves friend”, and then the end. The drama was typical high school drama and everything was quickly resolved.

The Romance

This was a super sweet YA romance. You got the sweet best friend romance and the really cute moments between the characters. But for once, while reading this book I wish there were more time spent on the conflict then on the romance.

The Wrap-Up

So overall, if you are looking for a sweet and light romance this is the book for you. If I had read this at a different time maybe I would feel differently so I would say give this book a try. And do check out Cassie’s other books as well as Theresa's!

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ Girl with Guitar by Caisey Quinn

Synopsis

After Kylie’s dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy stepmother, Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out and she loses her job all in the same day, she hops a bus to Nashville determined to make her late father’s dreams come true.

Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she’s asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he’s pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can’t pull Trace out of his rut, he’ll pull her and her dreams down with him.




 ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

“You're not a nice boy," she said pointing a finger at him. "Never said I was," he told her as he leaned in dangerously close. Kylie breathed in the clean familiar scent of cologne and him.”

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I hadn’t had the chance to pick it up. Since I had read so much about it I decided now was the time to check it out. (Especially because the final book was releasing.) Why didn’t I pick this up sooner?

Caisey Quinn can definitely weave together a wonderful story! The best part is that her characters were equally wonderful and so damn real about things.

Let me start with Kylie, her protagonist, was one hell of a character. She was a sweet and nice girl but didn’t let anyone trample over her. She came right out and told you what she thought but she also realized when she was wrong. After losing everyone, she was alone in the world and she wanted to follow her dream of becoming a star. Her dream lead her to Trace Corbin and from there things get crazy for her. Not only does she have to deal with the arrogant ass but she has to deal with the reality that her dreams are coming true and with greatness comes great responsibilities. The beginning of her journey was wonderful to see. This girl was as real as they get and a total spitfire.

Then there is Trace Corbin. *sigh* what can I say about this man? He is a total mess and he has a lot to deal with. He has a lot of demons in his pasts and everyone basically puts up with his shit. But the moment that Kylie calls him out he is damn near blown away. The aggressive girl on tour with him isn’t one to put up with his crap. As she tears down his walls he comes to realize that maybe he should stop being the way he is. But Trace is broken, and something’s can never her repaired. This man will have you hurting for him and wishing to wrap him in your arms.

And these two together are a mix to read about. What they don’t realize is that they are both alike. Both are hotheads in their own ways, which leads to a lot of miscommunication and stupid mistakes. But when they are in their element the pages catch on fire.

Girl with a Guitar is the book to read! I can’t say enough about all the characters and the delightful writing. Don’t miss out on Kylie’s story.

HAPPY READING!!

~NEW RELEASE~ Girl of Lies by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Title: Girl of Lies (Rachel's Peril #1)

Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles

Genre: Contemporary
Purchase Links: Amazon ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

Synopsis

Andrea Thompson is smart, assertive and beautiful. She’s also desperately lonely. Raised in Europe by her grandmother, she struggles knowing neither of her parents wanted her, and she has no idea why.

When Andrea receives an urgent call from her older sister Carrie, she agrees to fly to the United States to help. Carrie’s newborn daughter Rachel needs a bone marrow transplant.

What Andrea doesn’t know is that her return to the United States will launch a chain of events that will uncover secrets hidden for decades. Secrets which will rock the Thompson family and ignite a political firestorm.

Secrets that some will kill to protect.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~EXCERPT~

Dylan

“Give me one of those.” Sarah was slumped back in a cast iron chair as she said the words, her injured leg tucked up in front of her.
“Hell, no,” Dylan said as he lit his cigarette, shielding the lighter from the wind. He took a long drag from the cigarette, the coal lighting up, the faint sound of the tobacco burning audibly in his ears.
“I’m eighteen now.”
He raised an eyebrow, glancing over at her. After the too intense discussion with Carrie, he’d stepped outside for a smoke, planning on a little solitude. Sarah had followed him out onto the balcony. Twenty stories up, he could see most of Bethesda and parts of northwest Washington, DC spread out below his feet.
“I don’t give a shit if you’re thirty,” Dylan said. “I’m not giving you a cigarette. If you want one that bad, buy your own.”
“You’re kidding, right? I don’t leave the house. I’m a cripple, didn’t you know that?”
He slumped into the seat across from her. “You’re no more a cripple than I am. Actually your injuries weren’t as bad as mine.”
She shrugged. “I’m not a soldier.”
“Better toughen up, then. What’s this about you being a cripple?”
She sneered. “It’s nothing. Mom and Dad basically laid down the rule I couldn’t ever leave without an escort.”
“Alex said you home schooled this year?”
“Tutors, mostly. I can’t imagine what it cost. But it’s changed everything.”
“How?”
She raised her eyebrows. “You went to high school. You know what I’m talking about.”
Dylan shrugged and took a drag off his cigarette. “I don’t really. My high schooling wasn’t exactly normal.”
Her eyes widened a little, then she said, “Oh, that’s right. I forgot. I remember the night Alexandra told Dad you’d dropped out of school. He was overjoyed.”
“I’m sure he was.”
Unexpectedly she leaned forward, tilting her head slightly to the right, a serious expression in her eyes.
“You’re drinking again, aren’t you?”
Dylan froze. For nearly fifteen seconds he didn’t move. Then his eyes darted to the sliding glass door.

 ~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

Charles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive, and is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America's Future. Charles and his partner Andrea Randall live and write together in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Find out more at http://www.sheehanmiles.com
You're also invited to join the Remember to Breathe Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/remembertobreathe/

Connect with Charles: Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Join the Release Day Party!!

JOIN Charles for the release day party on December 20th! Prizes, games and more, only at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/757226727627585

~REVIEW~ The Mating by Nicky Charles

Title: The Mating (Law of Lycans #1)

Author: Nicky Charles

Genre: Paranormal Romance

PURCHASE LINKS: FREE @ AMAZON ~ B&N

Synopsis

Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she'd end up mated to a complete stranger. A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn.

EXCERPT: She lay beside him, staring blankly at the ceiling. The deed was done. They were mated. It didn't matter that she had no love for him nor he for her. Political alliances were more important than feelings...

~MY REVIEW~

"Sometimes our lives have moments of great disappointment. It's difficult at the time, but we have to move beyond."

There are few books that keep me reading until the wee hours of the night. The Mating was one of them. From the very first page I could not put the book down and when I had too I was anxious to get back to it.

Ending up mated to a complete stranger was never something Elise thought of. She always thought that one day she would marry someone in her tribe that she was in love with. That man was Brandon. But when she returns home from an outing with Brandon Elise is introduced to her new mate, Kane. Because Kane has just become an Alpha and Elise’s tribe needs an ally they are “mated” on the same night of their first encounter. And to seal the deal the two must consummate their “marriage” which is something Elise has always thought would be with someone she loves.What surprises her though is the tenderness that Kane shows her and the feelings that ignite in her when they are together.

When she finally arrives at her new home Elise quickly becomes the target of someone's revenge. While her new pack tries to stay alive and keep away the killer, Elise tries to come to terms with her new home and her new mate. Kane is a great mate but he also doesn't see what's so obvious to everyone else. The girl he has grown up with also has her sights set on him. And she won't let go so easily. 

The Mating is a wonderful concoction of romance and suspense, with a side of HOT Alpha male. While the book weaves in a wonderful suspenseful mix, its focus is Elise and Kane's mating and the growth of their relationship. Elise was a wonderful headstrong heroine and Kane was a sweet but intense Alpha. There were some pretty HOT scenes which will have you devouring the pages, but it wasn't overly done. 

Thank you to the lovely reader who recommended this series because I adored it!! But don't take my word for it, Pick it up. Read it. Adore it!

Happy Reading!

~GET THE BOOKS~

(All books in this series are currently FREE)

Bonded, Prequel:  AMAZON ~ B&N

The Keeping, book #2: AMAZON ~ B&N

Betrayed, Novel 2.5: AMAZON ~ B&N

The Finding, book #3:  AMAZON ~ B&N

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

Nicky Charles is an independent writer/publisher who creates stories in her spare time as a hobby and means of relaxation. Fellow indie author, Jan Gordon (Black Silk) serves as her sounding board and editor.

Nicky started writing fanfic for "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" in January of 2009 and wrote her first original, a romantic thriller entitled Forever In Time, in August of that year.

She has written a number of books in her Law of the Lycans series and has several ideas for continuing the story line for some time to come.

Nicky lives in Canada and tries to stick to Canadian spelling in her work, in support of her country. When writing, she loves to describe scenes as if she were 'playing a movie in her head."

Ms. Charles' favourite author is Elizabeth Peters and she owns every book in the Amelia Peabody and Vicky Bliss series! Stories that are romantic, have light mysteries and a touch of the paranormal also appeal to her.

As well as reading, Nicky enjoys writing (of course), gardening, desserts, dark chocolate, her two cats and taking day trips to small out of the way places.

Connect with Nicky: WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK

~BOOK SPOTLIGHT~ Spotlight & Giveaway: Unlikely Hero by Kemmie Michaels

Title: Unlikely Hero (Atlanta #1)

Author: Kemmie Michaels

Genre: New Adult Romance

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLES

Synopsis

Erin never would have expected to fall in love. Never. Not with her past, and not with her fear. She never dates; she doesn't even allow herself friendships. She doesn’t trust her judge-of-character skills enough to allow anyone close...until Marcus. With him, a deep connection happens in spite of the walls she's so carefully constructed around herself.

Marcus uses his self-confessed rage to fuel every part of his life. He survived the severe abuse of his childhood and learns to harness all the leftover anger into MMA fighting. His rage takes a rest, however, the moment he experiences Erin’s presence. Marcus dares to make the step that leads to love, one with the potential to heal them both.

~EXCERPT~

For the first time in his life, he had the urge to take a woman in his arms and just hold her for hours. He wanted the warmth of his body to melt five years of ice from hers.

He would take as long as needed to break through the depth of the glacier she had formed around herself. He wouldn't let her go until she felt soft, warm, and safe in his arms. If she'd let him. He knew exactly what he needed to write that night.

I will never do anything to hurt you or break your trust and I know I’m probably scaring you right now for asking, but you haven't let anyone in. I think you need that, even if you're scared of it. I want you trust me. I want to help. You’re safe with me. I'm strong enough to protect you. Will you let me?

~Marcus Walker

Suddenly those notes that brought her close to him seemed like a path to her undoing. She had been so safe and closed away from people for so long, she didn’t even realize she had let him in as far as she had. Sharing herself had been too easy in that book, but now look what she had done! She was open and exposed and he wanted to meet her outside of the safety of her journal.

The thought of meeting him terrified her — but not because he scared her. That wasn’t the problem. She was so scared of being vulnerable again. She had worked so damn hard to keep that from happening. And she was scared because she wanted to meet him. Allowing herself the potential to feel something, even something good, made her want to shrink back into the chasm and stay there.

~BUY THE BOOKS~

Real Challenge, Book #2: AMAZON| BARNES & NOBLES

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

I absolutely love to write. Seriously. I smile darn near the entire time. I'm a total word-nerd.

But even more, I love a good love story. I reread the first kiss a few times before I read on...even in my own books. That moment gets me every time no matter how often I revisit that beautiful connection. I dive into every story to the point where I have so many fictional boyfriends that I can't keep track of them all.

In the world of reality, I have a loving and tolerant husband who smiles and rolls his eyes every time I tell him about my latest fictional love affair. I have two personality-rich pre-teen boys who keep me on my toes. I have a psychotic Golden Retriever (I was told those don't exist...) and a cat that rules our house. I used to be the queen. Our regal feline has usurped my throne and demoted me to Prime Minister.

I studied English/Journalism at Miami University in Ohio, have a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Dayton and I spent five years teaching even more personality-rich pre-teens. For some sick reason, I actually enjoyed teaching junior high. Now as a stay-at-home mom, I'm clinging to that status by throwing my hat in the author's ring and hoping I get to keep it there.

Connect with Kemmie: Facebook| Twitter | GoodReads Author| Website

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Book Description:
In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.

Christina's BookReview

"When Karita died, the only thing that got me through was you. I was so proud to adopt you and have you as my son. Never forget that."

RECAP:

Former psychologist, Sophie Taylor has just been released on parole after serving a year in prison. Her crime? Falling in love with a criminal.

Former Navy Lieutenant, Grant Madsen is also being released on parole after serving 26 months in prison. His crime? Attempted robbery.

When these two are assigned to PO Jerry Stone their lives outside will change forever. 

As Sophie and Grant  work to make it on outside and stay out of prison their love grows everyday. But when their past comes knocking will these two survive? Or will love not be enough?

MY TAKE:

I was given this book by the lovely Jennifer to read and review. Unfortunately i couldn't get to it until recently. And what a mistake!! This book captured me from the first sentence!

Sophie and Grants story is one of heartache, pain, love, and the evil loved ones can cause.

As soon as you meet Sophie you realize that she was a women scorned. She is sweet, intelligent, and caring. But she is also naive. And her need to help is her ultimate fault. But given another chance Sophie is dead set on getting back on track which makes you root for her success. And if come in the form of one mighty fine sailor.

Omg! Grant Madsen is one hot, steamy swoon-worthy man! From the start you gravitate towards him. He is warm, loving, honorable and caring. His love for his uncle and later for Sophie is unbreakable.

I have to highlight the amazing secondary character in this book! From their hardass good guy PO Jerry Smith to their hilariously outrageous boss Roger. Also in the mix is Grants heartwarming Uncle Joe which will have you wishing for an uncle just like him and Sophie's best friend Kirsten.

But the one character in this book that truly captured my heart was also the "villain", Logan Barberi. Logan commits alot of mistake in this book but you also get an inside of his want to change. His need for someone to save him. And when he is finally given his "peace" you cant help and cry for him. Logan will dig himself into your heart even though you believe he shouldn't.

I was a blubbering mess during the second half of this book. One minute crying the next laughing and then back to crying. Jennifer did an amazing job bringing these character to life and making sure they stick with you. 

So here's my advice: BUY it, READ it, LOVE it!!

To help you out Jennifer has offered to supply an ebook copy of With Good Behavior for a giveaway!

The winner will be chosen on 1/18/2013. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below!! Good Luck and spread the word!!

Happy Reading!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

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.