Review: Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

 

 

 

Grasping at Eternity (Kindrily #1)
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Release Date: 25th May 2012
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Source: ARC via Netgalley

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she’s supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah’s memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.

Buy the Book: Amazon

Karen Amanda Hooper

Author of YA supernatural and fantasy. (Magic and love are the heart and soul of all my stories.)

~TANGLED TIDES & DANGEROUS DEPTHS
~THE KINDRILY series
~VIRTUAL ARCANA series.

I was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years, and I’m currently sunning and splashing around Florida with my spoiled rescue dog. I’m addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

There aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up with my Goodreads shelves and lists, but I do occasionally try to add a book if I remember. Feel free to friend me. I love meeting other book lovers and seeing what people are reading!

“I guess every story can’t be rainbows and happy endings…”

Do you believe in reincarnations…?

I think I do. Well, I really had a good start! All is well-equipped with not so much information that really piqued my interest but as I dive more and deeper into reading, I understood what the Elements really are.

Grasping at Eternity was an unexpected book I never imagined I will love to bits. The writer’s impeccable writing skills and eloquent words that seem to envelope and sum up the whole package just made it impossibly near perfect. I have to profoundly critique the book to the very core of it but just couldn’t find the right words to uniquely describe it. I am so much speechless (when I finished reading the book!). She had me tied to my bed every night and kept me grasping for the story. Grasping at eternity indeed!

“Every soul is a story shelved away in an infinite library in the sky…”

I was fascinated by the author’s imagination of a kindrily. I never encountered the word before and so I began looking it over my dictionary, only to find myself disappointed because the word wasn’t listed. Sooner, I discovered and took notice—while reading and eating endless raisin-covered chocolates—how close kindrily is to kin. Also, the continuous use of kindrily in place of family is one I noted while reading the book. And after that, I knew what it meant.

Now back to my fascination…

I was in awe. Endless of it. I couldn’t praise more the whole piece because not only was it good, but it will leave you hanging and hungry for more. The story will easily register in your mind. I found it difficult to avoid and I have to talk with the author about some things even though I haven’t finished reading it yet.

The mere mention of the cross-paths of My Name is Memory and X-Men, well, sort of distracted me. I haven’t read My Name is Memory yet and I have my eyes over it even before. Now, I just don’t think I need to read it. I don’t know.

Moving on…

I am constantly gaping with so much amazeballs when I reached the end of the book. Don’t get me wrong here, I love the characters. I love that they are a big family and that they are so much in support of one another. Well, the cruel part for me is that, I get confused a lot, especially with characters. Not that I am purposefully hitting on this one, don’t get me wrong, but this is just sort of one of my weaknesses. Many is weak and myriad is a hell for me. Luckily, I wasn’t so much lost with this one. Just the part where Nathaniel found Dedrick and his cohorts in some boat did I have my head spinning round. I have to re-read the part to understand it.

The plot was very twisted and unexpected. I never expected it would turn out that way. I always expected something’s dark about this part since we know how magical and cunning the story is, and it just sort of paved the way with mysteries, darkness, magic, and witchcraft, all bundled and made a very twisted and enticing story. Also, she put in some action-packed scenes that I’m very fond of but it somehow disappointed me because the scenes were limitedly described. Something lacks something but in the end it has been covered up by the ending.

“I was put on this earth to love you. I know no other kind of existence but to live and breathe for your well-being. It’s who I am, and who I will always be.”

Nathaniel is the perfect character for a broken soul that has been left by his soul mate. His actions made the readers feel how he wanted and loved Maryah. Having lived and experience every cycle of life with her by his side definitely hurt when she chose to erase. Now, I am very mystified by Maryah’s reason behind choosing to erase. He pleases me with his all overly protective manner that really pisses other women. I like it though, but a little bad boy-ish stalker type would do him well. He’s all head over heels in love—a very womanly attitude, as I see it.

Though, Nathaniel’s the perfect lover boy in this story, Carson so much piqued my interest.  I kept on wondering when will he meet his soul mate, who is it gonna be, why wasn’t he paired up, and why on earth is this current cycle in a big tangled situation. Of all the characters, I liked how Carson acted, his warm expressions, different ways of expressing his feelings, how he’s always so welcoming and there for Maryah though he doesn’t have any interest with her, and his love for his brother Nathan.

Maryah on the other hand, is the perfect innocent girl who likes to play nonchalance when something really seems off. Her astral traveling amazed me so much, I want to try it. The character within her is scared to know the truth but her strength showed more, that she really wanted to hear the truth. She appeals me in a way that cuts between good and bad, so it perfectly suits me, and pleasingly, catches me off guard. I wanted to put myself in her shoes and see how the sudden truth will weigh and if it will make me run away like what she tried to do. Oh, plus her sudden addiction to peacock feathers was really cute. What piqued me though, was with how she defined the eyes of it that doesn’t lie. It was really interesting but just quite sad because she doesn’t remember anything but the mere mentions of “quotations” that she kept on saying in her past lives.

The other characters, I must say, we’re really unbelievable. They were not forthcoming. For such a big family like theirs, I was very surprised and pleased with what superpowers they have. They were worth knowing. They may be fictional but they sure feel realistic!

About the cover. What can I say? Peacock feathers. Rose petals. Clock. Girl. Sand. Well, the sand was supposed to be red but anyway, it could be the beach or somewhere. Gods, I just love the cover. It’s very dramatic and climactic in every way. The girl’s ardent position indicates of longing yet her facial expressions says innocence and nonchalance at the same time. It’s very Maryah. Her blank expression really just spices up the whole cover that it sent unimaginable terrors and unfathomable history of her past lives.

Karen Amanda Hooper had me on very first words of this magical and dark novel about true love that knows no bounds, a family that never ceases to care, and powers that just seem so impossible it’s so real. I’ve never been more fond in any other book until this one. It totally swept me of my feet (Carson, swept me of my feet and I expect more of him on the next!). Reading this is an honor. No doubt, readers will surely love this through the impeccable skills the author has worked.

“A time of consequence for every action we take is inevitable, yet we don’t give it much thought because it seems so far away in the present moment.”

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Release Date: 1st September 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Finished Copy from Publisher

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Buy the Book:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | TBD

Nicola Yoon

Nicola Yoon grew up in Jamaica (the island) and Brooklyn (part of Long Island). She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and daughter, both of whom she loves beyond all reason. Everything, Everything is her first novel.

I rate this one a 3.5. I am debating with myself whether I liked the story or not. Don’t get me wrong but the writing style was immaculate. I would still recommend this book to every readers I meet (well, yes).

While writing this review, I stopped for a minute to search what SCID really is because I think it sounded familiar only to discover that this is actually the Glanzmann-Riniker Syndrome, which we actually studied in Immunology back in college. Now it’s clear to me.

This story is about a girl with an illness and this illness weakens her when she has contact with the outside world. She sees a family move next door and next thing she knew she was making eye contact with the boy from that family. She realizes that she’ll somehow fall in love with him. And God knows what, maybe they’ll both be happy, maybe it’ll be a disaster.Â

Fifty percent of me didn’t like the book. I know it was so hyped back when it was yet to be published and my friends loved it so I went for it. But it didn’t do me justice. I’m a fan of love but not a great fan of insta-love. I just didn’t connect with this part. I’m not yet done half of the book and their love story was already weaved right then and there. I’d still recommend this, though, despite my lack of like for it. It’s a good story with lots of inspiration.Â

The plot just went flat to me. I mean, I was happy for Maddy but dang, I’ve watched this plot happen so many times on TV drama series. I just had enough of it. I thought her mom was losing it too. Imagine the chills it got me.Â

I liked the bunch where there were drawings and art. It’s so fun to look at. Through this drawings, I vividly imagined what Maddy was probably doing or what she’s up to. It’s like watching a movie. Yeah, I liked that part. And her reviews. Oh my God! I never smiled this wide because of those. Nicola Yoon’s hubby has great artistic hands *applauds* The art is one of my favorite part of this book. Seriously, I could browse it all day. And let’s not forget the happy-sad IM’s and emails these two exchanged.Â

I also liked Maddy. She’s full of life despite her knowing that she’s ill. And she never loses hope. I once giggled because of her silly tactics. Her need to connect with the world, I definitely feel her. She was a living person in front of me. Full of antics just to experience what it is to feel like normal.  But then as mentioned in the book, she was also the Big Bang Theory in reverse. While the pages of what I’m reading thins, the fall of the plot, she begins to be the hopeless person you never want her to be. She just stopped existing. She’s this nihilistic creature. In the end, she picks up herself again and the end.Â

I hope you guys would read this book to. Not because it’s not my type doesn’t mean you don’t have to read it too. Go broaden up your reading capabilities. ❤️

 

 

{Review} Working It by Kendall Ryan

Working It
by Kendall Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: from Publisher via Netgalley

Emmy Clarke is out of her depth in New York City’s fashion world, but when she lands a job as an assistant at a modeling agency it seems like the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Working under the notorious Fiona Stone is a nightmare, but there’s one distinct perk: ogling the ridiculously hot male models who parade through the office—particularly rising star Ben Shaw.

Ben is everything Emmy’s not: exquisitely gorgeous, highly paid, and well-traveled. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Emmy looks after Ben on photo shoots, but she refuses to become another one of his lusting groupies. Ben finds Emmy’s refreshingly real attitude to be surprisingly attractive.

Against a backdrop of the most fashionable cities in the world, casual flirting turns into an illicit affair, but when Ben’s twisted past is revealed, and the bitter Fiona catches wind of their relationship, their careers and hearts are threatened.

Note: This book is intended for mature audiences. It contains sexual encounters and graphic language, including a m/f/m encounter.

Buy the Book: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Southerner Emmy Clarke lands a fashion job in New York as the assistant of a well-known person who manages a modeling agency. Working for Fionna is a major catastrophe but the perks of being the assistant lets her ogle the hottest model in their company, Ben Shaw. 

Ben is everything that Emmy is not. He’s rich, famous, well-traveled, and extremely gorgeous. Emmy looks after Ben but she refuses to be one of his one-night stands. Flirting may be an easy go but this flirting turns into a secret intimate affair between the two. And Fionna mustn’t know. If she gets to know it, their careers and futures will be long over. 

WHOA. 

I have not read anything like this. Ever. It was good, alright. But there’s much in here that has put me on the edge. And not only did it happened once. 

I have issues. You know, those things with cougars? The very same issues I had with Fifty. It was unnerving and really messed up. I don’t know how to put this review, seriously. I’ve been sitting and staring at my phone for hours and nothing came. 

At first, the first few chapters were good. I mean, he’s hot, she’s cool. And the boss is a major bitch. But those things where “I don’t do the girlfriend thing” but “gets to sleep whenever I’m with her” or “I need you and I can’t live without you” just pisses me more off. Why can’t everybody be normal? It’s a major major problem. Even the “Let’s start over again and do it slowly.” I mean, come on! We know this doesn’t work unless you’re really up for it. In their case, I just don’t see it coming. 

I’ve had a bad feeling about some parts here. I knew there would be twists and turns like “those” and the fact that it was a “sort of” cliffie. *grunts* it was exasperating. I don’t normally hate cliffhangers but there are times where they just ended really badly. 

The love between the two are exquisitely raw. I love how they portrayed it but sometimes, I have this feeling where you know that “God! Why do you always have to do it”. And the bad feelings were also worst! I’ve been out and about writing this review and I just can’t seem to make it straight. Don’t get me wrong. I love Ben and I would love to read the next book in the series, but I hope Kendall Ryan keeps it light. Less the baggage (which I know will still be revealed in the next). Anyway, I liked it but I had issues with it. So yeah. ((:

It was OK. I would still recommend it. (:

{Review + Excerpt} Infinite Possibilities by Lisa Renee Jones

Infinite Possibilities
By Lisa Renee Jones

Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Source: eARC from Author (Thank You!)

Secrets and lies. They are everywhere: haunting her, tormenting her. In the midst of it all, he’d been her escape, her passion. The only person she’d trusted in six years. And then he’d made her doubt that trust, cutting her deeply. But as she’d once told him, she was damaged, not broken. She is ready to fight and not just for survival. She is fighting for the truth and she won’t stop until she has it, not even for…him. 

Escaping Reality (Book 1): Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Infinite Possibilities (Book 2): Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which has sold to more than ten countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

His finger touches my cheek, then caresses slowly downward to my neck, and I feel the barely there touch everywhere, inside and out. Goosebumps lift on my skin, and I, and embarrassingly, I almost moan when he drags his finger over my breast and nipple. He drops his hand and I shiver with the delicate teasing sensations that linger where he’s touched, where he has not touched. He leans in closer, careful not to press his body to mine when that is exactly what I burn for, then lightly, so very lightly, brushes his lips over mine. A breath later, he is gone, leaving me gasping as he disappears behind me and it is all I can do not to turn to watch him.

*this review MIGHT contain spoilers, so I suggest you read it first and the first book, Escaping Reality. This is NOT a standalone.*

Running away has been Amy’s talent and she’s done it again. In Escaping Reality, it ended when Amy overheard Liam talking with one of his agents, Derek, about how he can handle her. And that just broke her to million pieces again. Infinite Possibilities picks up from where Escaping Reality ended. 

Two hearts once connected then torn apart and once again, reunited for the second time. And this time, Liam won’t let Amy flee by herself. He’s determined to fight her monsters together, discover who her handler is, who’s after her that wants her dead, and what the killer wants from her and how it triggered her to keep on running away from him [Liam], not to him. As Amy encounters things, unexpected things, or something that Liam says, flashbacks of her past brings back her memories with episodes of her blacking out. Soon, everything falls to pieces and she discovers the one thing she’s been determined to find all throughout her teenage life. 

Sordid things come to my mind while reading but the love story kept me going. I don’t know why or what triggered me to think about bad things but it happened anyway and as much as Amy hated that feeling, it comes in any way. All through her life Amy just wanted a normal life. I loved how strong she is, how stubborn she can become (although, at first I hated her for it), how the fact that she admitted that she’s in love with Liam and Liam with her. That’s just so freaking sweet! With all the revelations she’s discovering, I can’t help but to still a moment, feel my pulse because it’s beating up so fast I lost count and expect the thrill that just rushes you out and about. I squander my time pacing and read again because having them all revealed in front of you was just too much to take in. 

And of course, there’s the handsome Liam. Let’s admit it, as much as I hate admitting it, I can’t get enough of him. He’s this domineering-control-freak guy that you wanted but can’t handle. Tall, dark, and handsome is everything you wanted and that’s just Liam. He’d never said it until the last part but Liam’s actions tell how much he loves Amy. All the protections he’s wanted for her, them flying away together and how he’d wanted to face her Godzillas together, was all just the greatest things you wanted but just seem so wrong if you were in Amy’s shoes. But nevertheless, the control-freak in him, I’m sure you’ll love. Very disturbing. (;

Much to my appreciation about this book, I can’t freaking help it. My disappointments still resurfaces as I thread through the end. It’s the cliffie-sort-of-not-so-cliffie thing. I wanted more! Like the promise of marriage and babies. Not just the Happily Ever After. Though there’s still a book three, Forsaken (Chad’s POV), I wanted to know if there will still be more of Amy and Liam and Marriage, and Babies. You know what I feel? Yeah. Alright. I need the hearts and flowers and babies. HAHAHA. OKAY, OKAY. That was just disturbing. But anyway, I loved it! The whole lot of it. It’s fun, thrilling, and quite a guessing game. I must admit, I’ve never known who’s behind all the shenanigans happening back there but the revelations surprised me. And there’s a traitor (I KNOOOOOW!!). You’ll be surprised. And I say, “TRUST NO ONE.”

I sooo want more!

{Review} The Rocker That Loves Me by Terri Anne Browning

The Rocker That Loves Me
by Terri Anne Browning

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: ARC from author (Thank you!)

The Rocker…

I was the fun loving, easy going, different girl—okay, different girls every night—Demon. One look into a pair of violet eyes and all of that changed. She doesn’t even realize how beautiful she is and that makes me want her even more. Realizing that she is just as damaged as I am breaks my heart. Harper is a part of me, my other half. If only she would open her incredible eyes and see how I feel… 

The Beauty…

I knew that I wasn’t Shane Stevenson’s type. Hot rockers don’t go for plain girls like me. Years of my mother telling me just how unbeautiful I am has assured me of that. I have nothing to offer a guy that is so used to hot girls drooling over him. So why is he always there when I turn around? And why does it feel like little needles piercing my heart at the mere thought of him with someone else?

BUY THE BOOK: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Terri Anne Browning…

Hated school and reading until her aunt handed over her first romance novel at the age of twelve, as crazy aunts tend to do. It gave her a passion for the written word that has only increased over the years. At sixteen she started writing her own novellas, forcing her sister to be her one woman fan club. Now she has a few more fans and a lot more passion for writing. Reese: A Safe Haven Novella was her first Indie published book. The Rocker That Holds Me changed the tables and kicked off The Rocker… series featuring the sinfully delicious members of Demon’s Wings. Terri Anne lives just outside of Birmingham, AL with her husband and three children.

Connect with Terri: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble

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

*wipes tears*

Okay now I know why it was titled ‘The Rocker That Loves Me’ and wow I just can’t get enough of it. Terri blew me of the edge and I’m falling helplessly for a story ever told in my entire existence. You are the best and the most amazing author of all time!

So, Harper. She’s this simple person that holds her V-card and doesn’t know how lovely she is. *commercial* How come, from all of The Rocker series, is Layla, the only person who was not a virgin in the beginning of the story??? There must be some un-freaking-believable reason for that?! They all swiped their V-card for the only person who they’ll fall in love with except for her. That was quite unfair! I only noticed that now. Anyway, back to Harper. She spends quality time together with her BFFs, Dallas, Linc, and Lana. During the course of Lana’s stay in New York to study, she’s met the ever womanizer Shane Stevenson. Without any clue, she began falling for him and so does he. 

Well, hell!! Terri, how’d you come up with such an amazing story? I love Harper! She’s ultimately cute and sweet and so so innocent in those glasses of hers, but behind them, her eyes tells the truth. She was created perfectly with flaws. Amazing! Though Lana and Drake’s story was full of drama, and that some are even found here, I found out that they are just being cool in here, a little joke over there, and anything else. It’s like the exact opposite! I love it! It’s very refreshing and more like the we-have-a-problem-but-we-will-get-over-it-and-fix-everything-because-you-are-my-forever-and-I-will-not-let-you-go-kind of story. HAH!

And then, there’s Shane. Shane. Shane. Shane. The fugging rockstar. You are so swoon-worthy and your fugging sweetness just fugging melts my heart. How can you be full of flaws, fucking everything around, but manages to be freaking perfect?? I was sort of on the edge since I thought about that challenge he’s up to since Lana wouldn’t “sort of” approve of him for Harper in the beginning. You know, to prove something. Or that he wouldn’t hurt her like the way Lana was hurting in that moment.. That was just. Fugging amazeballs. 

You know, I have a lot in my mind to say about how the story was, how it was a not-so-light-not-so-heavy-kind of story and some, I can’t freaking verbalize them but anyway, one of them is why such a cliffie? Like, borderline-cliffie! I needed to know more but..but.. There was a not so much of an information in the HEA. And I know it’s HEA. But the epilogue. And it makes me want to cry. Though the message at the end of the book tells me not to. (T~T) I need more!!

Terri! You have got to tell some spin-off about Nat! I thought she was some serious business back there. I went numb after that guest room scene. Phew. Seriously! ((:

You deserve the 5-freaking stars! 😀

\m/

{Review} Naked by Raine Miller

Naked
by Raine Miller

The first book in the bestselling Blackstone Affair trilogy! Naked desire. Secret Satisfaction. An affair you’ll never forget.

Brynne Bennett has left scandal in her past and is living the good life. An American grad student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s getting back on track with lots of hard work and focus on a career in art conservation. When successful and charismatic London businessman Ethan Blackstone buys her nude portrait, he wants to possess more than just her image. He wants Brynne in his bed, serving him in every way possible. He has no trouble voicing his desires, and he isn’t taking “no” for an answer.

At first, his dominant nature captivates her, but it isn’t clear if the force of his powerful desire will ultimately awaken or dispel the demons Brynne is carrying inside. There are secrets on both sides of this relationship—huge ones. Can Ethan erase the scars of Brynne’s past so that she can reveal her true self to him? Or will the shadows cast by Ethan’s own mysterious former life destroy their chance at happiness?

Naked is the sizzling, unforgettable story of what happens when a strong woman meets the one man powerful enough to strip away all her defenses, leaving her standing naked and perfect before him. 

BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | The Book Depository

Raine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it’s a safe bet she’ll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine’s stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A part-time teacher and writer of sexy romance stories every other chance she gets pretty much fills her days. She has a handsome prince of a husband, and two brilliant sons to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books.

Connect with Raine: Twitter | Website 

Okay. No. Sorry. I seriously don’t know why I just read this now. But I’ve no regrets over that part. Let me just imagine Ethan for a while. With his goatee. That I just can’t imagine. And his mesmerizing eyes. He’s swoon-worthy, yes but you know, something still lack the story and there are salient points that I just need to point out. That’s why they’re salient.

That was just so freaking intense. It was overwhelming. And short. The story moves in a very fast pace and I can’t seem to stop reading. Brynne and Ethan’s story consumed me like a candle. I’ve no regrets reading the book! It’s reader-friendly, but should not be read by readers 17 and below due to mature themes.

The story unfolds as Brynne tries to forget the impossible. Then he meets Ethan Blackstone. Her life went from agonistic to peaceful when she became the girlfriend. I know it’s super weird but life happens and they happen. It sort of threw me off at first because it felt like reading another Fifty Shades story. You get all the modesty at first that soon blooms into fiery sexy characters that just seem to not get enough of each other. It’s uncanny how it always happen that way.

Anyway, the concept and ideas were acceptable, the cover was, I must say, really awesome and magnificent. It shows this experience Brynne has been through and the black concept, well, just shows the mature contents that lie inside the story. It was just really condescending how it ended just like how Anna left Christian. But you know, on the bright side, it’s intoxicating. It draws the reader to full bliss and mixed emotions. The agony, you can really feel. The exchange of conversations, lines, seemed so real. It’s like watching a movie yet, you are a part of a movie. It’s a moving story that will bring you to a totally Naked imagination.

I love the story. It got me hooked but I wasn’t satisfied.

{Blog Tour} Wish Me Tomorrow by Karen Rock

Wish Me Tomorrow
Karen Rock



Can they build a future on hope alone?

For years nurse and grief counselor Christie Bates has been teaching her patients to confront their fears, express themselves and trust in hope. But as her feelings for cancer survivor Eli Roberts and his two children grow, can she overcome her own fear and love a man who lives every day with the possibility of recurring illness?

Tackling cancer and single parenthood simultaneously has turned Eli into a devout realist. Which is why he finds Christie’s perpetually upbeat attitude so aggravating. Still, despite himself, she’s making a place in his heart. If only he could offer Christie more than an uncertain future.

Buy Links:

Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Itunes

Since Karen Rock’s grandmother passed her shopping bagfuls of Harlequin Presents as a teen, it’s been her dream to add her voice to the Romance genre. Now an author of Harlequin’s latest contemporary line, Heartwarming, Karen is thrilled to pen wholesome, tender, deeply romantic stories that all can relate to. Her first novel, WISH ME TOMORROW, is out in September 2013 and her next, HIS HOMETOWN GIRL, is out in spring 2013. Additionally, Karen is a young adult contemporary romance co-author with fellow Harlequin author, Joanne Rock for the CAMP BOYFRIEND series that debuted July 2013 with Spencer Hill Press.

When she’s not busy writing, Karen enjoys watching anything starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, cooking her Nona’s family Italian recipes, and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter and two King Charles Cavalier cocker spaniels who have yet to understand the concept of “fetch,” though they’ve managed to teach her the trick! Hmmmm… wonder how that happened?! She loves to connect with other romance fans!

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“So, why were you two talking about me?” Eli probed, shifting in his shining black Oxfords. In the background, the piano keys banged out the song “Let’s Do It,” an off-key chorus accompanying it.

Gran’s husky contralto rose above the rest, belting out the lyrics, “Let’s fall in love…” as she gazed down at an eyebrow-waggling John. Why was life so uncomplicated for them? They were enjoying each other’s company, plain and simple. So why, when it came to her and Eli, did their distance seem insurmountable?

“Something about Becca thinking we like each other.” Christie’s voice came out unevenly—he was standing very close to her, near enough that she could feel the warmth of him.

“Hmm. Guess she knows how to read her dad, at least.” He ran a hand through his hair, the intensity in his eyes making her flinch and turn away.

Her chest rose and fell, colored dots appearing on the edge of her vision.

“Christie. Talk to me.”

She shook her head mutely, unable to meet his gaze. There were too many secrets her eyes might tell.

He cupped her elbow and steered her farther from the party guests until they stood alone in a far corner. A sign outside the window cast red light on his pale face.

“Am I really alone in this?” His voice sounded as tattered as a retired flag. “I didn’t want to press you after our run in the rain because you looked so…surprised by my admission that I want more. But can you really tell me you’re not feeling something for me, too? Because I’m losing my mind, losing sleep. Every waking moment is me thinking about you…about us.”

His urgent tone made her look up into his pleading eyes, the surge of hope in their depths making her heart leap.

She nodded and felt his hand tighten, his hold draw her close. Her eyes shut, and she shivered at the caress of his breath against her temple. This was it. All this time, imagining what it would be like to have Eli’s arms around her, to feel him against her, their hearts beating together…it was close to coming true and she wasn’t going to deny it any longer…even though she knew she didn’t deserve any of it. And Eli needed to know why.

She wanted to admit what was in her heart before things went further, but she became suddenly conscious of the quiet crowd and the dimmed lights.

“Time to sing everyone,” Mary said. She carried a chocolate sheet cake with loopy writing and a blaze of candles. Luckily everyone was looking her way and not theirs.

John pounded out the opening notes to “Happy Birthday.” Christie avoided Gran’s speculative gaze as she and Eli stepped from the shadows and joined the assembly. Her voice blended with the rest, her body relaxing against the warm arm encircling her waist. Time to tuck away her rational self and live in this perfect, happy moment. There’d be time enough for doubts later.

“Make a wish, Eli” John called. “You’ll need a big breath to blow out all those candles.”

The group laughed then hushed as he closed his eyes and inhaled long and deep. Christie stepped aside to join Becca, Tommy and a tail-wagging Scout. Eli’s breath exploded from him, obliterating every pinpoint of light and smearing some of the candle wax on the frosting. Wow. Whatever he’d wished for, he meant it.

“What happened to Mister I-don’t-believe-in-wishes?” John wheeled closer and ruffled Scout’s ears.

Eli shrugged. He picked off the candles and dropped them on a paper plate. “Guess I’ve seen the light.”

“So, what’d you wish for, Dad?” Becca asked, grabbing hold of Tommy’s finger as it inched toward the cake.

When the lights came back up, his eyes leveled on Christie.

“Something I can’t live without.”

** I got a copy in exchange for an honest review**

It took me days, weeks, a month to feel and read the book. As it turned out, I wanted more from this book, from this author. Since this has been a different approach unlike the YA book Camp Boyfriend that Karen and Joanne wrote, I decided to give it a try and see how it goes with me. While in between classes, weekend marathons, catch-up reading has always been a must but is also hard time for me. Since I was into the story I really tried to take up some of my time to read and just be inside the story. I started, went until 20 something percent then stopped to give way for my exams. Yuuuuh, it has been hard resisting to read and studying.

“Hope was a four-letter word he didn’t dare say, let alone think. His body had healed but his spirit would never be that same.”

At first, it was a light read. Cancer patients, group meetings, seems like the normal things Christie do. Same faces, same routine, all and just the new poetry and quotations she shares. Christie has been optimistic with life and what comes after it. She anchored herself to positivity since her brother Bill died. Same with her patients, she’s lived under the pressure and moving on has not been an easy thing for her. What she’s felt for herself was a deep remorse and guilt that you can actually feel. I, myself, felt it. There’s this whole thing with emotions that captures me very hard that I end up torn about it, too. I understand how she managed to live her teenage life caring for her brother, pouring everything she can do to sustain his life. She’s grown up experiencing the harshness life can offer, live the life of an adult earlier than she expected it, and stop the hobby she liked the most. It was sad and sweet and heavy. All those jumbled up because of a one scenario.

When life throws you a curve ball, it’s either you let it hit you or you swing it with all your might. That’s how Eli restored his life. He’s a realist unlike Christie. His wife left him with their children, Becca and Tommy, when they found out about his cancer and has been the only one to raise the kids. His relationship with his daughter grew worse as she grows old and when he first met Christie, he tried to shake her off out of his system. They’re both opposites and he can’t stand the optimism Christie shared with all the other patients when he sees life differently. And talking about the kids, who wouldn’t love Becca and Tommy? Tommy is such an energetic kid that if real, I’d love to play with. And Becca, she’s honest and sweet as a pie, but just lacks the determination to tell how she really feels. 

“A dangerous warmth curled through her, setting in her heart. She knew better than to daydream about him. Yet, tonight, she would do just that, and thoughts of this complex, compelling man would fill that aching void inside her.”

I said it there, way up there, that at first it was a light read. I go on and on and on reading until the tension between the two characters builds up. There were nights that I couldn’t put my phone down and stop reading. There were nights that I just have to deliberately sob until I grew unaware that I already am. It felt like a sunny day that grew and transformed into endless rain showers. I was in the book. It was like I was in there, with them, experiencing everything that has been happening, listening to every word they say, and seeing how they move. Karen created a surreal world where hope and wish are two important abstract things in the world. I begrudgingly ended the book, not because I hated it, but because there’s more into it.

The ending was okay, by okay I really mean just okay. I was torn when it ended just like that. When I was nearing the ninety-nine percent, I was panicking that it might end in that they just leave it there and hope was the only thing that’s left for them, and everything. It was HEA and I love HEA but you know, I’ve been thinking day and night! I kept asking myself questions I cannot answer. What happens after tomorrow? And making my own conclusion just hurts me to the core. Yay me!

It was juicy! Yum! The delectable intricate pieces that fit perfectly. Life shows you lesson you’ll never know you’ve already found. I was annoyed, hurt, in love, touched, and all the family-feels I’ve experienced in this book. Not only did it captured my eye but the very core of my heart and soul.

And PS. If you want the family-feels I was saying, you go grab this book. 😀

Lookie! I’m still looking for something. On the bright side, you captured my heart (:

So we move on to the best part!

GRAND PRIZE

Signed copies:

Karen Rock’s WISH ME TOMOROW

Robyn Carr’s THE WANDERER

JoJo Moyes’ ME BEFORE YOU 

JoJo Moyes’ THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND

JK Rock’s CAMP BOYFRIEND

Unsigned copies:

Bella Andre’s I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU

Pamela Tracy’s KATIE’S RESCUE

Tara Randal’s ORANGE BLOSSOM BRIDE

Syndi Powell’s THE RELUCTANT BACHELOR

Harlequin tote bag

RWA 2013 water bottle

RWA water bottle holder

3 RUNNER UPS

$10 Amazon Gift Card

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{Release Day Launch} Thirty and A Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank

Thirty and A Half Excuses
Denise Grover Swank

Life in Henryetta, Arkansas is turned upside down with the arrival of a televangelist, but it’s the death of a little old lady on Rose’s street that catches her attention. The Henryetta police deem her death natural causes, but Rose suspects foul play and so does an unlikely supporter–-the president of the Busy Body Club, her eighty-two year old neighbor Mildred.

But Rose is in the middle of opening her nursery with her sister Violet, who’s separated from her husband Mike, as well as stalling her boyfriend Joe’s family, rich socialites who are determined to meet her. Along with her multiple encounters with Fenton County’s new assistant DA, Mason Deveraux III, it’s just another day in the life of Rose Gardner–-chaos.

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.)  Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks.  She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.

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{Book Blitz + Giveaway} By A Thread by R.L. Griffin`

By a Thread
R. L. Griffin

Stella’s future was set, and it was a bright one. She was engaged to a man she adored, and was headed to law school in the fall. Tragically, her perfectly planned future ends just as it was beginning.

With no ties to family or friends, Stella finds herself alone in a new city, spiraling out of control. Her typical day comes to a close with her passed out on the floor; sometimes clothed.

Luckily, her new roommate, essentially a stranger, is dead set on getting Stella past her grief and back to functioning within society. Putting one foot in front of the other, she climbs up from the bottom of a bottle. Even with all her progress, Stella walks through life unfeeling, numb. Defiant, she sends out warning signals for the world to keep away. But, is that what she really wants?

With the steadfast help of a few tight knit friends, she gradually begins to feel again. She starts to savor the flavor of food again; lets herself notice how the handsome bartender glances at her. Still, after allowing herself a fling, she wonders if she will ever be able to let go of her shattered past, fully enjoy the present, or get over what she thought would be her perfect future and with the man who destroyed her heart.

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She felt a shadow across her back a few minutes later. Stella didn’t open her eyes, but said, “Why is someone blocking my sun? I’m trying to rid myself of my farmer’s tan.”

Cassie snorted, “That’s not going to happen, Stella.” All the softball players had horrible tan lines. Stella’s arms looked like leather, but her stomach and chest were white as porcelain, as were her feet. It was heinous. The players’ legs looked like they were wearing white shorts all the time.

“I don’t know, I think it’s kinda sexy. Like I know what you look like naked,” Stella heard in a slow, sexy southern drawl. Her eyes popped open and she found herself staring at the guy with the drawl. One of the best-looking guys she’d ever seen in person. His hair was cut short and looked sandy blond in the sun. He had blue eyes and an actual six-pack. Stella had never seen a guy with a six-pack in person before, and it made her want to touch him. She laughed, noticing that he had the same farmer’s tan that she and the softball players sported.

Stella cocked her head to the side and just looked at him.

“What?” Six-pack asked.

“I’m just following suit and picturing you naked.” She said, then closed her eyes.

“Me too.” Cassie said with a giggle.

“Now I am too,” one of his friends piped up loudly. “Damn it. Someone help me get that image out of my mind.”

Six-pack leaned down to whisper into her ear, “I think you missed a spot.” His fingers grazed the small of her back, just above her bikini bottoms, and her body tensed instantaneously at the spark she felt. Sexual chemistry crackled between them.

Stella used her sweetest voice, “Oh, really?  Could you get it for me?”

“Damn right I can.” He leaned over to grab the lotion, but she got to it first.

“Oh, I was talking to Cassie.” She threw the bottle to Cassie. “Thanks, though.”

Cassie snorted again, “It looks fine to me.” Cassie yelled to the other guys, “Y’all got any beer over there you can share?”

“Of course,” one of the guys replied. Cassie got up, sauntered over to the baseball players, grabbed a beer out of their cooler, and sat down with them.

“Y’all play ball?”

Stella overheard the conversation and was interested. These were all baseball players and seemed to be pretty cool. Six-Pack’s name was Jamie, he was a sophomore. He was a pitcher. Confidence exuded from him and he seemed to be pretty smart and funny. Those were three mandatory traits for Stella before she would even look at a guy. She never fell for the type of guy who looked good, but annoyed the shit out of her as soon as he opened his mouth.

“Stella, you want a beer?” Cassie called.

“Sure.” Stella turned just as Cassie threw the beer at her. She had two options, she could sit up and catch it, showing everyone her boobs, or the beer was going to hit her… somewhere.

“Fuck,” she called out as she rolled over to dodge the beer coming at her face. She fell off the chair, but managed to keep her hands covering her nipples. For a moment everyone was quiet. Then all of the occupants of the pool erupted in laughter. Stella turned forty shades of red and tried to figure out how to get up gracefully. Realizing there was no way to cover her nipples, get up, and grab her bikini top with only two hands, she gave up. Stella stood up, grabbed her bikini top, and with her chin raised walked to the bathroom, showing everyone all she had.

♥

Several hours later everyone was good and drunk, playing truth or dare, and it was Stella’s turn. She picked dare.

“Kiss me,” Jamie said, leaning back in a lounge chair with a smug smile on his face.

Stella got up from where she was sitting and leaned over him. She whispered in his ear, lips grazing his lobe, “You may regret this dare.” Stella kissed his neck, which made him tip his head back. She slowly kissed his top lip. He groaned, and she went for the kill parting his lips with hers. All of a sudden his arms wrapped around her, pulling her on top of him in the chair. She forgot where she was, and that they had an audience until she heard someone clear their throat.

Stella ripped her lips away from Jamie’s and took a long breath. She put her fingers to her mouth, and looked into Jamie’s eyes. Holy fuck. There’s no going back from that.

Jamie’s arms still wrapped around her, he whispered, “I think you may be right.” Stella thought for a minute he had read her thoughts. Then he said, “Best regret ever.”

Stella smiled. She pulled herself out of his arms, separating their bodies. Suddenly she felt too drunk, too high on the feeling she got from kissing this guy she just met, and too naked. She walked over to where her bag was and checked her phone. She felt arms wrap around her again.

“You need to come with me. NOW.” His lips whispered in her ear.

“And why’s that?” Stella shivered and turned around so that she could look in his eyes.

“You’re pretty much naked and I need to be the only one looking at you.” He reached up and rubbed his thumb down her jaw line. “I need to kiss you, more.”

If she hadn’t been drunk, she wouldn’t have gone home with him. But she was drunk, and she followed him home. Immediately.

I live in the Atlanta area and I’m surrounded by awesome dudes: my husband, son and dog. I went to law school at American University, Washington College of Law, but only after I fell in love with D.C. I worked in the Senate during the impeachment trial and wanted to stay. After law school I worked for a bit in the area, then moved to Atlanta.

If you ask anyone who knows me they know I love reading and read all sorts of books. Any free time I have I’m either reading, writing or drinking with friends.

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R. L. Griffin is giving away 3 SIGNED COPIES of her book

By a Thread

*Open to US only*

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{Cover Reveal} Four Years Later by Monica Murphy

Title: Four Years Later
Author: Monica Murphy

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Guilt. That is all I ever feel when I think about my mom. Now she’s back in my life, always wanting something. Having her around makes it so easy for me to fall into those bad habits that get me into trouble. Skipping class, smoking weed, fooling around with girls that mean nothing to me…I’m messing up. The last thing I need is my sister on my case.

So I keep my mom’s return a secret. But promising I’ll get my grades back up on my own isn’t enough. Fable makes me see a tutor. And Chelsea is the smartest girl I’ve ever met. She’s definitely not my type but there’s something about her that I’m drawn to. She’s sweet, she’s shy and she seems completely immune to my usual moves.

Chelsea has her own secrets and she’s not talking. Like I have any room to judge. How can I get her to open up to me? And will I ever be able to convince her that what we have could be something real?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

i know you want to stalk her so…

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