5 STARS! LOVE THIS SERIES! LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!!!!
This was actually a reread I originally read this back in March 2012! Here is my goodreads review w5 STARS! LOVE THIS SERIES! LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!!!!
This was actually a reread I originally read this back in March 2012! Here is my goodreads review which was done with the original cover ---> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Spoiler Free Review TBR Rank: This was book #1,008 pulled to read from my TBR pile 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult (Coming of age read with some romancSpoiler Free Review TBR Rank: This was book #1,008 pulled to read from my TBR pile 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult (Coming of age read with some romance) Series: No, As far as I know this is a standalone.
I had no idea what I was going to get when I opened this book. I only knew that the author told her readers that this book would differ from her others. In The Nothing is not a romance per se, it's actually more so a coming of age New Adult read. Our lead character Trinity was born to a drug addicted mother, her father’s identity unknown. Though it is speculated he may be white due to Trinity’s looks to which some in the African American community consider aesthetically beautiful.(Lighter skin and fine textured hair.)
After the death of her mother, Trinity goes to live with her aunt.(Her mother's sister to whom the mother was estranged.) Her aunt has a daughter, Chanelle around Trinity's age. When we meet Trinity she is a high school graduate, living in the projects with her aunt and cousin Chanelle who now has a baby. Knowing her time is almost up seeing as though her aunt no longer collects checks to keep her. Trinity knows it's officially time to move out.
Once out of the hood where living day by day comes with only planning ahead to your Saturday night activities. Trinity finds herself in a new set. A set of friends that come from money, with different ethnic backgrounds. Yet, kids her age with a future that goes beyond their Saturday night plans...
Reading as Trinity was trying to navigate her life once her circle changed was very interesting. Even when nervous or insecure she kept moving forward never showing how inferior she may have felt in her new circle of friends. Though it was a slow start, I enjoyed her progression.
My Sweet and Sour My Sweet- The epilogue!!! Yessss <3 My Sour- Not getting more, mmmmm…well more details of Chanelle's story. So yeah, I want more!
Characters: Trinity- This chick has a free spirit and I loved that about her. She's smart and goes with the flow. I think readers will enjoy her character. Skylar- She is a selfish, self motivated, annoying character that just pissed me off. On a side note I must say I think there is a story to be told here...a bigger story focused on her of course ;) I'd read it! Ethan- Hmmm...I have to say his character was not how I prefer my male love interest to be. He was way too laid back for my liking. Chanelle- You know what, I would like MORE! There were some changes that take place in her life that I wish I read more about. Her growth was slow yet wonderful. I think her character's story in full would be awesome! I hope Forrester gives us more Chanelle! Cyrus- I can’t speak much on him. I hated and loved him. In the end however, let's just say I NEED MORE Cyrus!
Final Thoughts Interesting how Trinity went from being called out for supposedly "acting" like she is better than her peers to feeling somewhat insecure and ashamed from where she comes from. The contrast was ridiculous. Forrester is a strong writer. Her novels are character driven; therefore as a reader you will easily form strong emotional ties toward her characters. She literally explores life through her characters in such an AMAZING way. I know of only one other author on this same level of exploration…maybe two. MAYBE. Overall I thought Nia Forrester did great her first shot in the New Adult realm! I look forward to more NA books and hopefully I'll here from some of these characters again!
My Ratings Writing Style- Character Driven, Emotional, Strong & Raw POV Multiple pov’s but this is more so Trinity’s story. Plot/Storyline- Young girl living in the projects in need of way out. Knowing there is more to life but not fully understanding all she can be if she just believed. Steam Factor-( Lo-Med-Hi) I say Medium. On a scale of 1-10 I say 6 Entertainment Level-( On a scale of Lo-Med-Hi)I say Medium Overall- I enjoyed it! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! ...more
This book is rated ‘G’ for Good! 3 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Romance that transitions into NA Romance
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The story goes from past to present day whereThis book is rated ‘G’ for Good! 3 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Romance that transitions into NA Romance
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The story goes from past to present day where readers quickly get the feeling something is happening we just have no clue exactly what. Present day moves at a slow pace giving us tiny glimpses as we zoom through the past to catch up. Now when I say zoom I do not mean that it was rushed in any way. In fact the author takes time and care with the story allowing readers to connect with both Alex and Jess.
When Alex Tanner’s mother became sick with Cancer her world starts to slowly crumble. Her father becomes jobless; eventually they lose their home and find themselves sleeping in their car in the hospital parking lot. One day Dr. Mason discovers Mr. Tanner and his young daughter sleeping in the car. He intervenes in a way that honestly will put most “who have” and are the able to help others to shame. NOTE: I refer to those blessed well enough to help others yet fail to do so because not everyone who can is willing to lend a hand.
So yes, Dr. Mason with the assistance of his wife helps to set Mr. Tanner and his young daughter on their feet. This part of the story is truly inspiring. It takes a real man to see another man at his lowest point and know that he has the ability to help and then he does it.
Eventually Alex and her father move to the small town of Arlis, Texas. They stay in a small home on a ranch owned by the Mason’s. Somehow in the midst of the good happening; Alex’s young mind decides that she will pay back the Mason’s for all their charity, she tacks on each kind act done to her list. The Mason List.
The Mason’s have a son named Jessup(Jess) he and Alex become best friends and well I think you see where this might be going...
If not let me break it down...Boy falls for girl, girl is blind to his love, boy admits love to girl, girl is SHOCKED, boy let’s girl know one day she’ll be his, girl is still shocked…girl runs from love, boy waits patiently. What boy does not know is that the girl has slowly become bitter. The bitterness has to be removed from around the girls heart in order for her to let the boy and his love in.
My Thoughts I thought this was good. I just personally did not love it. I more so clash with the heroine. More particularly I clash with the way she was written. I’m not a fan of running from what is right in front of you. Annnd I usually have patience so it could have been my mood. I don’t know, regardless I am not with running from love in the manner she did. So let that be clear, it was the way she frustrated me, it’s personal I can admit that okay. Okay.
I found the writing was good, providing detailed descriptions and I definitely became emotional while reading. Hendrickson knows how to pull at your heart this I can’t deny.
My Sweet- Sadie! I love her it would be nice if she got her own book! My Sour- Two things.1. Alex and her bitterness towards the Mason’s. 2. This can be seen as a spoiler to some while others won’t mind so I’ll hide it. (view spoiler)[ I dislike waiting the mass majority of a book for a couple to get together. (hide spoiler)]
- As far as I know this book is a standalone and it was told from Alex(the heroine's) point of view.
My Ratings Characters- Kind hearted, Sweet and Frustrating Writing Style- Good Plot/Storyline- After becoming homeless a young girl and her father are taken in by a Doctor and his family to live on their ranch. She then becomes best friend with their son as they get older he falls in love with her and whether she admits it or not she falls for him too. Steam Factor- Lo-Med-Hi Low, on a scale of 1-10 I say 5 Entertainment Level- Medium, I think the story had some great realistic aspects to it and dealt with real life situations. It kept my attention, had some sweetness in it and a few witty lines that had me smiling Overall- I liked it!
REVIEW may contain mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult Romance Full Review Posted on 5-8-14
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Cuba HudsoREVIEW may contain mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult Romance Full Review Posted on 5-8-14
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Cuba Hudson is famously nicknamed Hollywood by his class mates at Briarcrest Academy. His friends all think that his life is 'perfect' They have no clue. Cuba’s dream is to help people by becoming a doctor; he loves football and is well known for his position on the field. He’s all smiles and a big flirt at school yet it’s all a facade. The real Cuba lives with guilt, regret and pain and it runs deep.
NOTE: If you’ve not read the prequel to this story I highly suggest you do. I do not think you should read Very Wicked Things without reading Very Wicked Beginnings.
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“Everyone says you’re pretty good on the field. That no quarterback is safe.” -Dovey
A Very Wicked Beginning:
Cuba is out on the football field when he looks up and spots a girl in a window performing a ballet piece. It’s the day his life takes a turn in a direction he never expected it to take. Cuba finds himself falling for a girl he does not even know. He’s positive that she does not run in his circle of friends. Still, he’s sure that he has most likely seen her before yet never acknowledged her presence.
‘Cuba was part of the beautiful people. I wasn’t.’ -Dovey
Dovey Beckham is attending Briarcrest Academy on a scholarship. Unlike the other students Dovey does not have wealthy parents; she does not live in a big fancy house or have tons of money at her disposal. No, Dovey has fought and earned her place as a ballerina at Briarcrest. As a matter of fact Dovey has been fighting her whole life just to survive.
‘Cuba Hudson, the hottest, richest, most popular guy on campus looked as broken as I felt.’ -Dovey
As I hinted at before Cuba’s home life is far from perfect. It’s more like a slow deteriorating..crumbling to the ground on which it once stood brick wall. Cuba saw something in Dovey that day through the window of the ballet studio and he begins his quest to get her to agree to go out with him. She’s not really feeling it though and could care less about who he is. It takes some coaxing but Dovey finally gives in to him only to have her heart broken.
Cuba turns in to king of the assholes and I did not really like him for a minute there. I felt for Dovey, I truly did. He was a complete douche and it hurts. Then Dovey spots him, catches the look on his face and realizes that there is more to it then she may have thought.
Unfortunately that concern she felt towards him only lasts but a split second before she goes back to hating him with a passion all over again.
But does she really hate Cuba? I think not, home girl is ANGRY.
And Cuba? Well he seems to be in denial.
Dovey represents love and hope, something Cuba lacks but in her he sees it clear as day and believes it to be attainable.
‘ Between the day we’d met and today, we’d been irrevocably changed, altered into adults before our time.’ -Dovey
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My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet- The Porsche, Dovey and Cuba in the front seat. No other words necessary!
My Sour- The scenes when Cuba is not being nice to Dovey :(
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My Thoughts I fell hard for these two. Both Dovey and Cuba are very realistic characters that make mistakes and react to situations in a way that only a 17 and/or an 18 year old would..Thinking you have no choices, no resources and no one to really count on. Yeah, that freaking sucks. I found it gripping how these two are seemingly opposites...were Cuba gave up and became numb to his feelings Dovey fought and refused to not feel anything. Instead she took what she felt and used it. Overall, the story was intense, at times sad, undoubtedly stirring and written very well.
My Rating and Why 4.5 STARS! I loved it! The story was emotional and filled with plenty of up’s and down’s. The writing is good. Ilsa Madden-Mills was not scared to take risks with her characters and I admire that in an author. It also makes a sub plot twist 10 times more interesting when an author takes such risks.
My Ratings Characters- Lovable Writing Style- Favorable Plot/Storyline- Girl meets rich boy and denies him, he pushes for her to give him a chance only to break her heart because he is hurt and he fears love Steam Factor- Medium/Steamy On a scale of 1-10 I say 6.5 Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I say Medium, I was engrossed in the story Overall- I loved it! My Recommendation : READ THE BOOK! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to:www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot... Like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost
* Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review*...more
MINOR SPOILERS -mature content reader discretion is advised. 5 STARS out of 5 Genre:NA Romance Erotica NOTE: The heroine is 18yrs of age.
UNPUTDOWNABLE! SMINOR SPOILERS -mature content reader discretion is advised. 5 STARS out of 5 Genre:NA Romance Erotica NOTE: The heroine is 18yrs of age.
UNPUTDOWNABLE! Some books just give it to you the way you need it. And that is EXACTLY what Unteachable did for me.
->The writing is addictive -->The plot line is addictive --->The characters are addictive
I just can’t get enough!
Maise and Evan have that Reckless love, that Crazy love, that off the wall won’t stop till I had enough kind of love, that I don’t really care we can have it anywhere kind of love.(Thanks for that line Alicia Keys!)
Two people doing something they know they shouldn’t. You know they shouldn’t. The teacher and his student, yet… ->You feel the passion every time they get together -->You feel the thrill of possibly being caught --->You feel the excitement of finally being together after a long school day/week
In Unteachable we meet Maise O’Malley. A young girl entering in to her senior year of high school yet has been playing the role of an adult woman since she was just a young girl. With no daddy in sight and a drug selling coke head of a mother; it’s safe to say that Maise has had a F’d up life. She may not have control of the cards life dealt her but she can however change the path she will take in the future. Which is exactly what she plans to do.
‘He could have said, I’m a teacher, and everything would have been different.’ ~Maise
It’s August and summer is reaching its end. Maise is at the carnival drinking beer and hopping on ride after ride. The moment she decides to face her fear and get on a roller coaster called Deathsnake..That one decision changes her life.
Maise finds herself in the front row on Deathsnake with Evan an older guy that she not only finds attractive..*grins slyly* She also decides after spending some time with him that she wants to fuck him.(her words not mine) And she does. In his car.
Now this is nothing new for Maise, in fact she prefers older men. The problem with this particular man is that he actually her teacher. Neither knows of this fact yet. Later readers see how the forbidden aspect of this encounter jump starts a teacher-student affair.
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Nothing, not one damn thing about Maise’s life is simple, it’s quite F’d up actually. She is running from the demons that have made her mother’s life a living hell. A mother she refuses to be like. A doped up..drug dealing..drunken whore. Could life get any worse? The answer is yes.
Back to school... That moment when she goes to class and they lock eyes and she watches his realization set in seconds after hers…
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Worlds Collide
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‘There’s something so terrible about wanting something you’ve already had. You know exactly what you’re missing. Your body knows precisely how to shape itself around the ache, the hollowness that wants to be filled. Jesus Christ, this was only the end of the first week of school. No fucking way would I make it to winter break, let alone June.’ - Maise
Mr. Wilke Evan Wilke is her film teacher; he is 32yrs old and in love with Maise. His love is one thing that I never questioned; I think it was obvious from the first night they met. He didn't want the night to end with her and you could feel it. Evan also has a few secrets. Ha, don’t they all?!
This teacher student affair had me enraptured from start to finish. Maise and Evan are electrifying when they are together you can't help but get zapped while reading.
“Why do I need you like this?” he said, his voice rasping. I looked at his glassy, mercurial eyes, the haggard lines of want etched into his face, and said, “Because you’re addicted.”
‘For an endless moment all I felt was penetration. Slow and hard. Slow and deep. He made sure I felt every single thrust.’ -Maise
“..I want to keep you. I want to hold on and never let you go.” –Evan
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‘This was the inescapable truth. No matter who we were outside, in here we were teacher and student.’ –Maise
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My thoughts HOLY HELL the writing is superb the story flowed and pulled you in to this intense forbidden love affair and then BAM the author slaps you in the face with reality. With lines like
‘We knew what we were doing, Your Honor.’
SAY WHAT? Every time Maise would think of being caught readers are hit with lines that are equivalent to having cold water poured over your head. Am I the only one who felt that way while reading this??? Sheesh. I kept thinking please pleeease don’t let them get caught. I LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK!
The characters -Maise is a free spirit and makes no apologies for being that way. She knows what she wants and she goes after it full throttle and you will easily love that about her character. Her ability to survive and not get sucked in to the harsh world that greets her gladly on a daily basis is almost astounding. And yeah she gets backed in to a corner and has to claw her way out. But that’s just it; she claws her way out and she DOES NOT LOOK BACK. -Evan THIS MAN. I fell hard for this man. He was sweet and sexy and truly loved Maise. They each healed one another and encouraged one another in every way. Him struggling to allow Maise to live her life at 18 with or without him was heart breaking but so so sweet. If only the world had more Evan Wilke's out there.
My Ratings Characters- Sexy, funny, lovable Writing Style- EXCELLENT Plot/Storyline- Teacher student romance Steam Factor- HIGH/VERY VERY STEAMY Overall- I LOVED IT!!!! READ IT! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 3 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Romance-Mature
'I can understand this, truly I can. He's SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 3 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Romance-Mature
'I can understand this, truly I can. He's popular, handsome, headed for a successful future. He can have anything he wants in the world. So why should he want me by his side? I have nothing to offer him but myself: an orphaned, nightmare-plagued, messed-up wreck of a girl.' ~Summer
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In Summer's desire we get alternating pov's from both the Hero and heroine but the book is mostly told through the eyes of the heroine, Summer. This is a love story about lost, love and hope.
Summer and Seth meet as children when she is left an orphan after her parents brutal murder. She is taken in by Seth’s grandmother at the age of 5. Summer and Seth become the best of friends, you never see one without the other close by. Summer is affectionately nicknamed Sunny by Seth but to everyone else she is known as Seth’s Shadow. Unfortunately another one of life's tragedies strike causing these two separation but they vow to stay connected. But they don't.
'His heart, that Summer had awakened, was gradually engulfed by the cold spreading inside him once again. Finally it was no more than a block of ice.' ~Seth
5 years later Things don’t workout the way Summer and Seth hoped. Unbeknownst to them someone has kept them separated on purpose. 5 years past since Summer left. Seth has had to become a man he is now living on his own and about to graduate high school on a football scholarship. He is very popular and well loved by the ladies. His also is notoriously known for not being with the same girl twice. But you know as well as I do that his bad boy ways change the second he lays his eyes on Summer again.
His once cold heart begins to thaw.
‘How could she ever be afraid of her best friend and protector? She already loved him more than anything else in the world.’ ~Summer
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Reconnected is half the battle. Staying together, trusting one another and trying to out think others is the other half. Summer and Seth have a true love story that proves just how meant to be they are for each other.
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My Thoughts This was a good love story! I think the author did a good job with breaking the characters down and allowing you to see the struggles they have as kids. These struggles shape them and force them in to early adulthood. The author was smart she gives you all the right ingredients alpha male, virgin girl, catty females which leads to drama drama and more drama,2 evil mother figures ect. Main character descriptions Seth- an alpha male who is the love them and leave them type with a cold heart left by the one who got away. Summer- docile, innocent in a very virginal type way. Very smart. She is shy always keeping to her self. And she has had a very traumatic life altering experience as a child which left her feeling broken.
The foundations laid out for these two characters will pull at the heart strings. While I did enjoy this read and I thought it was a very touching love story.. Some things just stood in the way of me rating this book higher than 3 stars. I am BIG on character interactions and although this book possessed a good amount of interaction it also possessed an overwhelming amount of inner monologues. Summer was in her head too much...she thought too much and it caused me to skim too much.
Also I understand Summer being mature for her age but she did not talk like a normal 16yr old girl. Example
'Alex, a strapping boy with sandy-colored hair and light brown eyes...' Strapping? I never referred to a guy as strapping in my 20 plus years of living. She is 16 just say he is HOT or FINE AS HELL!LOL! Not strapping, that does not trigger any swoon inducing feelings for me. She also uses other words like dickens, well maybe that is normal.. but then there is rudderless beseech absconded I will not keep going you get the point.
Overall I think the author did good for this to be her first novel. She had identifiable characters you will love and hate. And she threw in a nice twist in the end which I thought was really good. I see the potential in this writer and I look forward to reading more of her books!
My Ratings Characters- loved some hated some Writing Style- Fair Plot/Storyline- Good it will definitely evoke emotions from you Steam Factor- PG-13/low on a light simmer fade to black sex scenes Overall- I like it! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs... *Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review* ...more
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4 STARS out of 5 Genre:New Adult Romance
LOVED THIS BOOK! Do not miss out on this, READSPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4 STARS out of 5 Genre:New Adult Romance
LOVED THIS BOOK! Do not miss out on this, READ IT, you will not regret it! I was literally kicking myself for having this book sit in my Kindle for weeks before I got to it! Yes, it was that G O O D!!!
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‘She should’ve just thanked the audience, hopped down off the stage, and resumed her regularly scheduled life. But she didn’t. Instead she made the colossal mistake of looking over into hazel eyes that had darkened to the color of the sky just before a deadly twister touched down, destroying everything in its path. She was from Oklahoma, and knew a thing or two about storm warnings. Trace Corbin was setting off all the sirens inside of her. Kylie was standing directly in the path of something wild and dangerous and a hell of a lot more powerful than she. Look away, her subconscious screamed at her. But she couldn’t, because for the first time since her daddy died, she was alive.’ ~Kylie
A few short months ago Kylie lost the one person who meant the world to her. Her father. After being put out by her step mother Darla aka the bit*h from Hades(my words not Kylie’s) and then loosing her job all in one day. Eight-teen year old Kylie decides to leave her hometown in Oklahoma to pursue musical dreams in Nashville. She finds work at The Rum Room with the help of a local waitress Tonya, a local woman who gives it to her straight at all times.
Kylie’s plan was to work and save so that she could buy some recording time to make a demo but EVERYTHING changes one night when she performs at the Rum Room unknowingly catching the ears and eyes of country star Trace Corbin and his crew. Kylie is asked to be the opening act on Trace’s tour and she agrees; only thing is her career may end before it has the chance to even begin.
The tour is already in full swing when she is asked to join. Kylie is aware that Trace has had other opening acts that did not work out well. It’s no secret Trace has been drinking his career a way and Kylie becomes witness to just how bad it can be.
Trace doesn’t just show up late to perform sometimes he was a no show.
“That him over there?” her new friend asked, pointing to a man across the room wearing a trucker hat, watching two girls go at it on a couch with a bored looked on his face. Trace sat alone, swirling dark liquid in a glass and looking for all the world like he owned this sin haven. Kylie needed a shower after just walking through it.
This girl is no slouch in fact she is determined to make it and she’ll be damned if a drunk like Trace Corbin is gonna ruin her dreams before they take off. She gives him a dose of reality... She is then thrust in to his world by trying to help him out of a rock and a hard place. But with the way Trace acts you start to wonder if he wants to be saved at all…
I love how the attraction between these two always simmered beneath the surface, you constantly felt it as a reader and it made for an intense build up of angst. It was never a matter of will they or won’t they it was always a countdown to when. When will things finally come to an ORGASMIC EXPLOSION! I really liked that! Slowly she starts to get to him but the man is stubborn as all hell. Meanwhile they are still on that slow simmer; he warns her to stay away because he knows no good would come of them being together. And for a while she listens.
‘Oh, God, she wanted him so bad it hurt. Wanted him, no needed him, to touch her like she could tell he wanted to.’ ~Kylie
Slowly Kylie starts to get to him but the man is stubborn as all hell. Meanwhile they are still on that slow simmer I mentioned. And then BAM there is this scene where they don’t talk but their bodies do and he lifts her on to the counter and his hands are moving and..and...well you get the point. Let’s just say after that fighting it becomes harder and giving in becomes bliss.
After meeting his family Kylie learns a few things that help her get to know the real Trace Corbin. It is then she starts to understand him on a deeper level as her eyes open to what she did not see on the surface.
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‘She hadn’t known a kiss could feel like love but Trace made a job of it, licking and sucking and gently biting at her lips until he’d tasted every inch of her.’ ~Kylie
Somebody always wants to take what you have. A taste at bliss becomes just that when lies and a past foe tries to tear down what Kylie has been building for herself.
My Thoughts I truly loved this book! I enjoyed Quinn's writing style and her characters. I felt the pace was good and the steam was done just right. I definitely look forward to more of her books!
I felt Kylie was made for Trace she did not take his bulllsh*t and she was real quick with the comeback retorts to his snap comments. Trace was battling demons and on a downward spiral to losing everything. Kylie's fight to make it as a country star had her battling out his demons. The question is will her fight be enough.. Only time will tell. The book ended with both characters in a good place with one another which is a good thing. I am eager to see how this relationship will do in book 2 Girl on Tour.
My Ratings Characters- Love them Writing Style- Good Plot/Storyline- Sweet, with witty banter, angst and a good dose of steam Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- Loved it! READ IT!!! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs... Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review* ...more
MINOR SPOILERS in a section marked minor spoilers-you've been warned -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult RomMINOR SPOILERS in a section marked minor spoilers-you've been warned -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult Romance
This...wait...excuse me. *Inhales slowly, exhales slowly* This is one of those books you finish and think
Please please bare with me I have so much to say and all of my thoughts are hitting me at once. Honestly this is the closest I have come to giving a book 5 stars in 2013... It did something to me.. The authors style lit up my taste buds perfectly... Her way with words... The story itself... The characters, oh dear lord the characters are embedded in my brain. I laughed, I cried both tears of joy and tears of sorrow. More importantly I learned from this book that LOVE heals even the deepest of wounds. The ones so deep you think it will never close, the ones that make you feel as if your at deaths door because the pain is unbearable. 'He reaches over and grabs my hand and laces our fingers together. “You’re going to break my heart, Sparrow Fisher.” And I think, Not before you break mine.'
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When the book starts we meet Sparrow and immediately learn that she has been dealing with a broken heart. 'It has been a year, two months, and seventeen days since I last saw him. Two years, ten months, and five days since he broke my heart—well, since I knew that he had broken my heart. Technically, he began breaking my heart the moment I met him, five years, eleven months, and one day ago.'
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'I’ve got a hundred kisses for every tear I’ve caused. A hug for every heartache. Oh, I miss you. My body aches. My heart groans. I call your name and hope that somewhere deep in your spirit, you’ll hear… I love you. Ian'
Sparrow Fisher is the daughter of a preacher. She wears what she is told to wear and says what she is suppose to say. A true all around good girl with her virtue still in tact. Soon all of her good girl wardrobe will be put to pasture; she recently graduated high school and will be leaving her California roots to move clear across the country and attend NYU. She's been in a comfortable 4 month relationship with Michael the youth pastor at her fathers church. She's grounded her future looks good from the view she sees.. Sparrow has no idea that her world is about to be lifted off its axis the second she meets Ian Sterling.
**Whispers**Guess who's coming to dinner.... Sparrow attends a planned dinner with her boyfriend, her parents and family friends; a couple by the name of Jeff and Laila. When she enters the restaurant she recognizes him immediately and alerts her mother of his presence. Ian Sterling. A singer, song writer and musician. Introductions are made and just like that she
'I’ve been looking for you, his eyes are saying. You’ve found me now, I’m certain my eyes are responding.'
Ha, the fact that her boyfriend is in attendance at this dinner is of no consequence. Conversation flow freely between her and Ian.
“Are you really hitting on me with my boyfriend sitting right here?” I am both proud and appalled by his audacity. Scratch that, I am loving his audacity.'
'He grabs my hand and kisses it. In that gesture, I feel my childhood slip off of me like an old, worn-out cloak that has been barely hanging by a single thread. I know that something has shifted in me. It’s primal. I want this man.'
Unfortunately for Michael this is the beginning of the end of his and Sparrow's relationship.
Ian and Sparrow don't exchange numbers that night at dinner. In fact they come in and out of each others lives for some time. When Ian learns her age he puts the brakes on any budding relationship, Sparrow on the other hand assures him that age is nothing but a number. They've already proven how well they are together even with a 9 close to 10 year age gap. But the age difference is not the only thing working against them; with his busy career which includes tons of traveling and her in school the timing is just not right. So their friendship remains just that "a friendship" for quite a while.
They fall more in to a pattern not a relationship... Coming together and linking up.. On top of not hearing from him every few months makes Sparrow question the reality of their on today off tomorrow relationship.
'...uneasiness has settled in my gut. Because for all the ways Ian shows me he loves me, he really doesn’t talk about commitment, and he doesn’t demand it of me.'
'In some ways, it’s possible that I’ve given him the perfect set-up. We have these blissful times every couple of months, and then we both go live our lives apart. How long will this be enough for me?'
'I try not to be jealous or doubt him, but when we’ve gone four months at a time without seeing each other, during Ian’s overseas tours, it does tend to up the jealousy ante.'
Because of their strong feelings for one another they both decide to make a go for a real relationship. Everything is going good. REAL G O O D . And then just like that your reading and everything... is blown to pieces.
You read and you read until you reach that part where you slowly watch a horrific head on collision happen. You know, you know it will be deadly, leaving no survivors. Well this scene that I read had to be one of THE most effectual scenes...EVER. Not to many female characters are written with an intuition as intense as Sparrow's what's even more intense is that she's had it her whole life. We read how she get's these dreams and feelings that she just doesn't quite understand. And then it happens, she naturally draws a conclusion from her gut.
'An island of single words strewn together that are going to ruin my entire life. I already know, without him saying a thing, that this will change everything.' “What do you want to know?” he whispers. “I want to know everything. Start from the beginning.”
And even though I knew it was coming, I still thought
I felt...every..ounce..of her pain and then some. And then alllll I could hear in my head was the song Resentment by Beyonce. Over and over and over...
I've been crying for too long What did you do to me? I used to be so strong But now you took my soul I'm crying, can't stop crying Can't stop crying.... ....I know you didn't want to hurt me Look what you've done to me now I gotta look at her in her eyes And see she's had half of me How could you lie? - Lyrics Beyonce
Sparrow's spirit was broken right along with her heart.
They say time heals wounds.. Well, I'm not sure that's true. What I do know is that L O V E, Love heals wounds.
'It came down to love. Love is enough. Love does conquer all. Love really does always protect, trust, hope, persevere… I’d even go as far as saying that love never fails. I finally believe that.'
My Thoughts Willow Aster has a way with words I was completely sucked in by her style it appealed to me in a way that not most authors are able to do. Her characters just popped off the pages I couldn't seem to get enough! I fell so hard for these characters. The only thing that stopped me from giving this book 5 stars is the fact that I felt like I missed out on vital information. Mainly due to the fact we get everything from Sparrow's pov. I wanted to know more about Laila and her reasons for being a cold hearted slimy BITCH. I wanted more details on how things went down between Ian and Laila the night he finally explains it readers don't get the grimly details. We don't get to know his thought process... I don't know maybe that's just me wanting all the deets.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters, which leads me to ask.. What I really want to know is... Will Jeff and Laila get a book?
My Ratings Characters- Lovable Writing Style- Excellent Plot/Storyline- Intense and Highly emotional Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I loved it! READ IT! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
FULL REVIEW POSTED 8/10/13 SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA -Mature Romance NOTE: This revieFULL REVIEW POSTED 8/10/13 SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA -Mature Romance NOTE: This review can hold spoilers for those who have not read the previous books in this series.
'Life is not measured by the quantity of breaths we take, but rather by the moments that took our breath away.'
READ THIS BOOK...and catch the moments!
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Boy's Boy's Boy's Boy's Boy's I do adore.....*sighs* Stalk Me. Kiss Me. Date Me. LOVE ME.
PAUSE: Dear Keatyn you can have any guy you want but Riley..he is MINE. ALL MINE.
Ok, back to the review. Break up’s and heartbreak seemed to have plagued multiple characters in Date Me. However love, reconciliation and promises for the future rule supreme in Love Me.
‘His hands are firmly behind my neck, like I’m not allowed to pull away from this kiss. Not that I want to. It's hot. No. It's not hot. It's incendiary. Like the white-hot blazes of the underworld. Or the electrical charge of a lightning bolt. A god’s full power has been unleashed on me. His tongue is destroying my mouth. Devastating it. He’s owning it like no boy ever has.’
HOLY FREAKING HOTNESS! I have never been so confused as to who I want Keatyn to choose. NEVER. But now I am lost. In Love Me, both Dawson and Aiden are vying for Keatyn’s heart. Unfortunately the playing field is unfair because Dawson and Keatyn have had a very physical relationship and uhh.. Well let me just say what you’re all thinking; sex will definitely cloud the judgment.
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"When have I ever given you a friend vibe?" "Um, when you said you wanted to be my friend after the stars." "I do want to be your friend, Boots. I want to be your everything." ~ Aiden to Keatyn
FRIENDS?! Keatyn receives mixed signals from Aiden and it takes a while for her to realize what he is up to. At the same time he is upset by the relationship she has with Dawson. And vice verse; Dawson peeps Aiden’s game and sort of scrambles to step up to the plate to show he can be what Keatyn needs.*face meet palm* These two will give you whip lash and you'll enjoy it, neck brace and all.LOL! Not going to lie though ladies, Aiden will have you asking why your man has yet to give you the moon and the stars. **le sigh**
NON-SPOILER HIGHLIGHTS(In no particular order) - He loves me /He loves me not – Frienemy? – Cush? WTF??? – Sand Castles - Middle finger salute - Mr. Cooper *wiggles eyebrows* - Purple Glitter pen - Missing panties *Grins* - A B B Y - The Feather *SWOON* - Sunsets *SWOON* - Good Prince /Bad Prince - Bubble Baths - A file - A broken promise
One boy struggles to right a wrong and his sexual appetite becomes a tool of choice in doing so.
Another decides to woo and romance Keatyn to win his place in her heart.
While a surprise from the past makes an appearance with promises of a future together.
*Smirks* He's not the only one planning a future with Keatyn
Yeah, I know I just received a hit, but I can’t help it. I need my next fix.
I’m ADDICTED to The Keatyn Chronicles! I know I’m not alone!
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My Thoughts Keatyn puts on her big girl panties and makes some decisions for herself that are sure to be pleasing to readers as we watch her blossom in to a young woman. She makes mistakes but she also owns up to them and that makes her even more lovable. Readers will get great laughs from Braxton, Camden, Riley, Dallas and surprisingly Whitney though the giggles she causes are strictly from her ridiculous actions.
My Ratings Characters- Lovable and Swoon Worthy Writing Style- Fun, Witty, and Savory Plot/Storyline- Unputdownable Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I LOVED IT! READ IT!!
Me prior to release date Release date 8-11-13 WOOOHOOO!!! To say I cannot wait for this book to release would be a HUGE understatement... I AM ADDICTED to the Keatyn Chronicles!
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -Quick Review 3.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult Romance
I liked it, I didn't love it. Hmmm, I find myself being stingy with stars iSPOILER FREE REVIEW -Quick Review 3.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: New Adult Romance
I liked it, I didn't love it. Hmmm, I find myself being stingy with stars in 2013...
“My name’s Cole,” he said as he continued towards the shore. “Don’t care,” I lied, not able to peel my eyes away from that long, tanned, muscled, dripping wet body. “Last name’s Carson.” “Care even less.” Did I sound as unconvincing to him as I did to my own ears? “What’s your name?” he asked, pausing at knee level and glancing back at me. “My first name’s Keep and my last name’s Walking.” What was I doing? I never talked like this to people. I’d come in second place as the senior class sweetheart. Second place sweethearts didn’t sass back to naked, hot strangers while they were naked themselves.
I'm a safety girl Elle Montgomery has been living life according to what others want for her. Safe boring and uneventful. Those others being her father and boyfriend of two years, Logan. Now a high school graduate and on the path to marriage Elle starts to not only question the path set before her...She starts to rebel.
Enter Cole Carson.
“If you don’t take control of your life, Elle, someone else will..” ~Cole
Cole is a smokejumper. Smokejumpers go from town to town putting out fires set by the blazing summer heat. Only this time Cole starts a fire inside of Elle, one she plans to NEVER let burn out!
“I’m sure you’ll find more than enough distractions to get you by,” I said, waving at the group that now had expanded so it was more of a four to one female to male ratio. “See? One girl for every night this summer.” “I’m more of a quality guy,” he said. “Once I find that quality girl, then I like quantity. Lots and lots of quantity.” ~Elle and Cole
My Thoughts I thought this book was a little... I guess tame is the word I'm looking for.. Yes, I thought this was a bit "tame" compared to some of Williams previous books. I thought the plot was meh, okay. Plot: Small town virgin girl has everything set before her then she meets a guy who changes everything. Nothing new there right? I don't know it could just be me.
Dear Readers I gave this book 3 stars simply because I found the plot to be common. And at the time common was not what I was looking for. One good thing about Nicole Williams though... She can definitely bring the steam. Cole was HOT!
My Ratings Characters- Cute and lovable Writing Style- Fair Plot/Storyline- Standard/Common Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy Overall- I liked it. I didn't love it. Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Mature YA-Romance Book 3 in Keatyn Chronicles FULL REVIEW POSSPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Mature YA-Romance Book 3 in Keatyn Chronicles FULL REVIEW POSTED on 4/8/13
Hello my name is Alexis Moore, and I am totally addicted to the Keatyn Chronicles! All I could think when I finished this book was I want MORE MORE MORE!
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I am in love with Jillian Dodd!!! She get's it right EVERY TIME!!! It's as if she knows my reading taste buds and she cooks up something that knocks my socks off with each installment in this series!!!
And with the way this book ended... I am positive she is cooking up something G O O D for the next book ,Love Me!!
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And I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on it!
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Boy's Boy's Boy's Boy's Boy's I do adore.....*sighs* Kiss me. Date me. Love me. Hate me. STALK ME.
'I have the sudden urge to lick him. To see if he tastes as good as he looks. He leans back to watch the next audition, taking his big hand with him. I close my eyes and shake my head. How the hell does he do that? Damn, him! He's like a god damn walking love potion.' ~Keatyn
I am ABSOLUTELY 100% head over heels in love with Keatyn. Even when she makes mistakes I love her because it just shows that shes human. This book picked up right where kiss me left off. Keatyn is riding her high on cloud nine after just being asked publicly by Dawson to go to Homecoming. She graciously accepts of course! It’s not long before Dawson and Keatyn decide to become an official couple and things are good for them.. Really really good! ***wiggles eyebrows suggestively***
'Dawson is like a sexual buffet. I never know what to expect, what’s going to be next in line. But I definitely want to keep going back for more.' ~Keatyn
Dawson definitely knows how to bring the sex appeal an while I enjoyed it, it also would have been nice for him to get know Keatyn on a deeper level. I mean damn their whole relationship was physical. On the other hand I felt Aiden connected with Keatyn in this book on a more personal level. It almost seemed as if Aiden was purposely aiming to get to know Keatyn in a more personal way. He wanted to understand her and her reasoning behind some of the choices she has made. I liked that. I am not sure who I want Keatyn to end up with I love both Dawson and Aiden. Yes, I love Keatyn and Dawson together but I think Aiden is “the one” however only time will tell.
Ok so here are the HIGHLIGHTS in no particular order
-A couple makes it official –Someone gets the key to a boys heart –Someone is kissing other guys not just her boyfriend -Whitney is up to no good –Someone cashes in their V card –Someone cheats -Someone drops a BOMB by revealing a secret –Someone else.. cheats –There is a school Break-in..or something like that *wink,wink* –Drunk texting –Someone meets the parents -Whitney is still up to no good –Good times are had in New York City -There is a Vincent siting –Certain someones make a video on a private jet that goes viral –ANOTHER secret is revealed –Someone finds out it was written in the stars
My Thoughts Keatyn has been cautiously guarding her heart, shes made bad decisions in the past and she does not want to experience that heartbreak again. I love the talk she had with her mom. It was so heartfelt, I love to see a mother daughter relationship that is open and honest. Keatyn’s friendship with Riley and Dallas priceless. Those two have Keatyn’s back no matter what! I loved getting to meet Dawson’s brothers, Braxton had me laughing so hard I had stomach cramps. Cannot wait to get more of him! You did it again Jillian Dodd! I CANNOT WAIT to read LOVE ME!!!!
My Ratings Characters- Lovable Writing Style- Fun, Witty, and Savory Plot/Storyline- Unputdownable, and fast paced with a touch of Suspense Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy Overall- I LOVED IT! READ IT!!
Warning: This book has mature content and is best suited for readers 16 and older. Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
This Review Contains Mild Spoilers My Only is Beautifully Tragic Side Note: Grab a box of Kleenex because this one is a tear jerker... 4 STARS out oThis Review Contains Mild Spoilers My Only is Beautifully Tragic Side Note: Grab a box of Kleenex because this one is a tear jerker... 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Romance And I don't wanna take for granted the time you may have here with me 'Cause Lord only knows another day is not really guaranteed
So every time you hold me Hold me like this is the last time Every time you kiss me Kiss me like you'll never see me again Every time you touch me Touch me like this is the last time Promise that you'll love me Love me like you'll never see me again ~Lyrics Alicia Keys
I was shocked how connected I felt just looking into her eyes. It was like our whole selves were connecting. Like our souls were dancing. ~Adam's Inner Monologue
My Only brings you a love triangle unlike one I have never read. Why? Because of her. Olivia Cartwright has a take on life like no other. Told completely from Adam's pov. My Only is one love story I will never forget.
She looked so . . . so . . . so what? Beautiful? Yes, absolutely. Sexy? Without a doubt. But there was something else, something more important than all of that. She looked free. ~Adam's Inner monologue
Adam James is known as a geek, he get's good grades, keeps within his circle is in the school band, works at Barnes and Noble and knows nada about sports. He is the total opposite of his identical twin brother Aaron who is popular, out going, an athlete and is a ladies man. When a new girl shows up at school his life takes a turn in a different direction. First, because he knows this girl. Well, actually he just recognizes her. Secondly because he is experiencing his first crush unlike no other. And inside all he wants is to get to know her. But since that is not his nature he plays the sideline and watches from afar.
Then it happens...she approaches him. The two build a friendship and Adam wants to ask her out, yet still holds back.
Then something else happens... Aaron asks her out. Not one to hold back Aaron goes for what he wants. And he wants Olivia. “You can like any girl you want,” he said, “but unless you’re going to go for it, there’s no way in hell I’m going to sit back and pretend that I don’t like her, too. See? This is the difference between us. You’re all theory. You say, ‘I like her,’ but do nothing about it. And I’m the proven fact. I say, ‘I like her,’ and I act on it.” ~Aaron to Adam
'We were identical twins, but we were far from identical.' ~Adam's Inner monologue
Adam struggles a lot with the differences between him and his brother. He strongly desires to be more like his Aaron physically, mentally and emotionally. Physically -Aaron is tall and muscular. -Adam is shorter by two inches and scrawny. Mentally and socially -Aaron makes B's for not completing homework, he instead focuses more on his social stats. -Adam makes straight A's. -Aaron knows where he wants to go to college and his major. -Adam is unsure on both counts. -Aaron is a Jock -Adam is in Band and plays at Aaron's football games Where Aaron does not have to study for a test or quiz, Adam does, yet Aaron can score just as high.
Aaron and Olivia at different times both point out the differences and this hurts Adam. But it also shows him that he needs to change and come out of his shell.
Fave Quotes
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” ~Olivia “Life’s too short to get stuck. I don’t have time to wallow in despair. I felt my feelings. I cried my tears, and now I’m ready to get on with it all.” ~Olivia
Lines that punched me in the gut
“Sometimes I think my dad hates me because of it. Aaron, too.” ~Adam
“I don’t know anything about my mom. How do I ‘embrace’ her dying as I took my first breath?” ~Adam
I don't want to say more for fear of revealing too much I will say this is a beautiful story that will stay with you. I will also say that you should read this book! I did and loved it!
My Ratings Characters- Lovable, Witty and Charming Writing Style- Good Plot/Storyline- Honest, Heart felt and Beautifully Tragic Steam Factor- Low/On simmer Overall- I liked it!! Read it!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
A special thanks: Thank you Sara for encouraging me to read this wonderful book! ;)...more
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Adult Romance
I LAUGHED. I CRIED. I LOVED. I HATED. I CRINGEDSPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised. 4.5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Adult Romance
I LAUGHED. I CRIED. I LOVED. I HATED. I CRINGED. I EMPATHIZED.
I WAS OUTRAGED. I WAS HAPPY. I WAS ANGRY. I WAS SAD.
If you follow my reviews you know I’m all about the steam so if you’re looking for a steamy 1950’s tale about love. Look somewhere else. This book is all about Lily’s journey through womanhood. Her becoming a wife Her becoming a mother And her weathering marital hardships.
There will be times when you want to stop reading. You will put this book down and walk away in pure frustration..I know I did. But it was totally worth the read! I had to give it 5 STARS I could not allow my anger over things that happened in this book effect the rating. The very first page will have you screaming WHAT THE F#CK? I will tread lightly in my review by not spoiling anything. Trust me a lot goes down in this book. A LOT. What I say in this review is just the tip of the iceberg. Trust me…
“Tell you what, Lily Rae. Get rid of Nickerson, and go out with me. I’ll teach you a thing or two about being bad, and you’ll never want to be good again.” ~Jake
The year is 1952, and a young Ms. Lily Foster is about to learn that playing with a bad boy has it's ups and downs. She'll also learn that love may not be enough...
Lily is the second eldest of 5 children, and is an all around good girl. She gets good grades in school and refuses to have sex with her high school sweetheart until they are married. With big plans for her future Lily never expected to have her heartbroken at the end of senior year. And she does, after catching her boyfriend Chad with Pat Peaches, the school slut at a party. It’s the end of the school year. Everyone is discussing their plans for college and Chad was off with Pat-Peaches??? It was just the day before when they got in to a huge fight about her not being ready to have sex with Chad and now he is with Pat-f#cking-Peaches.
“Let me touch you,” he said raggedly. “Let me dip into your honey-pot, sweetheart.” ~Jake
Jake Tatlow Lily storms out of the party mad as hell not knowing that her life is about to change in more ways then one. Jake Tatlow is Opal Springs resident bad boy, he is also a childhood friend of Lily’s. It’s on her walk home from the party when she slowly approaches the gas station where Jake works. Later that same night Lily finds herself surrendering to Jake and ending up in a secret relationship that they keep going alllll summer long .
Hooking up with Jake during the summer now has Lily pregnant in the fall. Not only does she need to tell Jake, she also has to break the news to her very strict baptist parents. She tells Jake, then her parents and LITERALLY, I kid you not the same night her and Jake are married.
Lily loves Jake it’s a love that started in childhood lasted in to her teens and was prolonged in marriage. Even though Jake was reluctant.. Actually I can’t say reluctant because Jake did NOT want to marry Lily. But he did. Unfortunately marriage does not stop his womanizing ways. When Jake and his father get in to a heated fight his father has him enlist in the army. Lily and Jake say goodbye to their hometown of Opal Springs, Kentucky and take up residence in New Boston, Texas for four years.
It’s in Texas that Lily befriends a woman named Betty. Betty was an AWESOME friend, she teaches Lily things only another woman can. They share a bond that even Jake and all his evilness can’t break. After Jake’s four years of duty they move back to Kentucky with their baby girl who is now a toddler. After some coaxing from Lily Jake gets a job and they move into their new home in a really nice neighborhood not to far from their hometown. Lily soon has a second daughter and still fights to keep her marriage. And believe me his philandering ass does not make it easy.
My Thoughts Honestly I hated Jake. HATED HIM. Til. The. Very. Last. Page. As a wife I did not relate to Lily but as a mother… Oh dear lord at times it was like looking in the mirror *chuckles* let’s just say that certain scenes were extremely relatable. I loved Lily but she was so naive to things and to acceptable of Jake and his crass behavior. He would make crude comments and often flirt with other women right in front of her. It was hard to read so I could never imagine having to live through it.
Overall -I really enjoyed how the author incorporated current events of history through out the story. So many things happened and you got first hand reactions from Lily as she lived through it. This author touched on including race. Race did not play a focal point as an issue but when African Americans are introduced in the story it was so interesting to read Lily and Jake’s reactions. Jake was pretty much a bigot while Lily on the other hand was not. I found it amazing how she never thought about race until it was in front of her, and even then she rolled with it. Color did not stop her from being a caring kind person she treated people equally.
My Ratings Characters- loved some hated some Writing Style- Excellent Plot/Storyline- A Highly Emotional tale of love and lost Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I LOVED IT!! READ IT!! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads! For more reviews go to www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot... And visit us www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost...more
Spoiler Free Review EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!! 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Contemporary Romance "I'm sorry to lay this on you right before you leSpoiler Free Review EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!! 4 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Contemporary Romance "I'm sorry to lay this on you right before you leave, but I thought you should know." He shook his head slowly. "What are you doing about it?" "I'm going to keep it," I said and kept my gaze focused on him. He laughed. "Don't I have any say?" He stood up. "Assuming it's even mine."
"It's yours."
One Pink Line Will have you sucked in from the first page. The story unfolds beautifully and is told from two pov's. Sydney's and her daughter Grace. Within the story you get to see how they each struggle in relationships with their parents, siblings and friends. As they make the journey from young girls in to womanhood.
Sydney is about to finish her senior year of college when she finds out she is pregnant. Now she must tell her boyfriend, knowing her life as she knows it is about to drastically change. Sydney is the youngest of two girls. Though her mother always favored her older sister Kendra, the bond between Kendra and Sydney always remained strong. Once Sydney breaks the news of her pregnancy to her boyfriend, her sister, her parents and her friends relationships are tested. The reactions are shocking, as a young in love couple make life changing decisions.
Grace was raised in a loving home with her mother, father and younger brother Patch. At as young as seven Grace remembers being teased for her size. She was big for a girl and taller than most boys her age. At ten she stood taller than her mother's petite frame. She chalks it up and decides she takes after her dad who is tall standing an inch over six feet. The one day in middle school at a health class focusing on sex and reproduction changes everything. Leading her to question herself about who she really is. "Who is my real dad?" She sniffed and reached for a tissue on top of nurse Goode's desk. "Your real dad who loves and kisses you every night is your real dad. Your biological father is a man I had a friendship with a long time ago." "Where is he?" "He lives out of state with his family" His family? Wasn't I his family? Suddenly it was like I was trapped at the bottom of a sewer pipe, and my mom was above ground trying to shout down to me. I felt alone. Removed. Deceived. ~Grace and Sydney
Line that punched me in the gut. "Your not seriously considering having this baby are you?" ~Kendra
Ouch, now those are hard words to hear after you decide to have your baby.
One Pink Line shows the power of love, the bonds of family, and how loss can leave a piece of a person feeling empty and incomplete. The story is emotional, raw and very compelling.
Thoughts Incredible. I could not stop reading this book it pulls you in and holds you captive until it's over. It's a very relatable story that will stick with the reader long after reading it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. It is A MUST READ! Something you'll want to share with your Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and cousins.
My Ratings Characters- Lovable Writing Style- Good Plot/Storyline- Raw, Honest and highly emotional Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I loved it!!! A MUST READ!!! Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
4 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Contemporary Romance SUPER EXCITED and EXTREMELY SAD for this book..... It is always bittersweet when a series comes to an e4 STARS out of 5 Genre: YA Contemporary Romance SUPER EXCITED and EXTREMELY SAD for this book..... It is always bittersweet when a series comes to an end. :(
Double Threat is an excellent series that gives you teens with real problems/issues such as -Weight -Boy's -Dating -Boy's -Friends -Drugs -Boys -Kissing -Boy's -Teen pregnancy -School -Secrets -Boys -Betrayal -Parents And did I mention BOY'S! It was a shock to my system when I first read So I'm a Double Threat, simply because it was so realistic. I even had a few flashbacks to my high school years. **sighs heavily** So Bittersweet.... ...more
Spoiler Free Review 4.5 STARS Genre: YA Romance- Mature YA Series: Book #3 in Double Threat Series
Authentic, Fun, Witty and Savory This book was all thosSpoiler Free Review 4.5 STARS Genre: YA Romance- Mature YA Series: Book #3 in Double Threat Series
Authentic, Fun, Witty and Savory This book was all those things and then some. Julie Prestsater took the everyday trials of teen life and put it to paper. I fell in love with these characters so much and i cannot wait to read book 4 in the Double Threat series!
It's Junior year for Meg and her crew of friends and they plan to start it off single and ready to mingle. When Meg, Keesha and Steph make a pact to be single and date their junior year i don't think they ever imagined all the drama that would follow. Finding dates should be easy right? WRONG. Especially when your heart is with your ex. Meg thinks she has it in control but she dosen't she is far from in control. And her teenage hormones are telling her that everyday. When things heat up between Meg and Travis things also heat up between Travis and Alex. Case in point:
" Word in the hall is Travis knocked king Alex out, is that true?" -Ms. Gelson "That depends," -Meg "On What?" -Ms Gelson "If Travis is gonna get in trouble." -Meg
Oh, yeah it get's physical in this book and in more ways than one if you catch my drift;) I cannot say much more on the plot without unleashing spoilers. Sorry. But check out one of my fave scenes below. Scene setup: Meg goes to the the school dance with Brody after she agreed to help him win his ex back by making her jealous. When it's time to hit the dance floor he freezes and tells Meg he does not know how to dance. She tells him that they will dance so he needs to follow her lead. This is after they dance:
"That was fucking awesome" -Brody " You are such a liar, you can totally dance" -Meg " I never have before. But watching you helped. Your ass looks amazing when you move." -Brody "Thanks, I think." -Meg " That was totally a compliment. I could have watched it all night. No wonder Alex and Travis are fighting over you." -Brody HAHAHAHAHA!!! I am in geek love with Brody right now!
Thoughts Double Time provided deep belly laughs and three HUUUUGE JAW DROPPERS. One character leaves Meg spent after making a decision that will leave some readers stunned. Then...OH.MY.GOODNESS. The bonus story when they go camping.... It was very emotional. At the end i cried like a baby as one character unloads life changing information on his/her friends. The writing was stellar as always and the humor came in abundance i found myself laughing out loud often. Book #3 also gives us two new characters whom i both loved. The spunky Andi and the nerdy Brody. Both add their own flavor to this already well seasoned set of characters. Meg- We really get to see her growth from freshmen year to junior year. OFF with the kiddie fat and on with the women curves. Meg transforms slowly but surely and her confidence increases. I loved it!!!! Meg proved to be an AWESOME friend too she came through for others when they felt lower than low. Alex- I could not believe him at first... but he came around. I still love you too Alex!lol! Travis- Loves him! Travis also showed some growth i was glad he found happiness. Keesha- Yayyyyy i was very very happy for her. Unfortunately her highs was accompanied by lows. I swear this girl is built "Ford Tough". Steph- Started to come out of that turtle shell she has been living in. Finally! Yayyyyy*claps hands* Josh-Freakin Hilarious. Everytime he spoke he brought laughter. Ben-Hmmmmm.... I honestly don't know what to say i am speechless... I can say this-> I LOVE BEN<3 Brody- This guy was a total geek. But he kept up with Meg thats for sure.*grinning* Andi-Dude, she rocked. And once she put the girls down with some new technology it was on and poppin!
My Ratings Characters- Lovable and Witty Writing Style- Strong and Favorable Plot/Storyline- Solid, Fun, and Genuine Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I Enjoyed it! Read it!!!
WARNING This is a Mature YA that deals with sex, drug use and contains the use of foul/offensive language...more
Spoiler Free Review 4.5 STARS Genre: YA Romance Series: Book #2 in Double Threat Series
I'm telling you this series gets better with each book. It is sophSpoiler Free Review 4.5 STARS Genre: YA Romance Series: Book #2 in Double Threat Series
I'm telling you this series gets better with each book. It is sophmore year for Megan Miller and her bestfriends Keesha and Stephanie. At last all three girls find love. But circumstances get in the way for each couple causing breakups and heartache. We get a new character, face an old enemy and mend some broken fences. OH, and Amy is still a BEEYOTCH! In Double Threat My Bleep
Brief Summary Finally Meg and Alex are a couple yet the two are miles and miles apart becuase he is up state attending Berkley. Mean while Meg does a double. She must combat all the high school drama that occurs at Carver High and also fight off worries about the buffet of college chicks out to tempt her boyfriend. Sexy older college chicks. As usual Meg rolls out of bed late, again on the first day of school. Now at school hoping to not be stuck in a class with Amy or Eric is her most pressing issue. However that ends quick because guess who is in her first period class? Amy. But whatever life must go on; and on it goes when a new friend(Travis)is brought into the fold. Travis has one thing on his mind. Making Meg his. He knows she is dating a college guy and that its only a matter of time before the guy either screws up, OR the distance between the two becomes an issue. Whatever the case he let's his intentions be known.
Fave scene Scene setup: The girls are all having a sleepover at Meg's house when the topic of what to call a penis other that the clinical term "penis". After a few names are tossed into the air Meg thinks of an idea to send a mass text to their male friends to see what they call a penis. Check it out "Wow, Meg, What are we gonna say? What do you call your penis?"-Steph "Why not? This should be fun,"- Keesh declares taking out her phone Within seconds text start flying Replies excuse me? wtf r u guys drunk want me to show you Once the girls explain that they are trying to come up with another word instead of calling it a penis new replies pour in Alex: I'll play along...here's a nice one...stiffy;) Ben: whatever ladies this is weird but you can call it a flesh wand...lol Josh: manhandle...dis is wat ur talkin bout at ur slumber prty Travis: I like to hang out with my wang out...so come ovr at ur own risk...jk Dominic: i just call it a boner..or a rod...nothin fancy Jonathan: mines a heat seeking moisture missile...nice 1 huh...u kno u miss me "They must think we're total sickos,"- Steph "Yeah but they're loving it and you know they're all calling or texting eachother trying to figure out what's going on over here"- Meg HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I LOVE IT!!!!!!
Thoughts OMG I love love love this series i swear this could be a T.V. series on ABC Family. HINT HINT to Disney ABC's parent company;) Book #2 Has Meg and Alex struggling with the long distance relationship plus the three year age gap. Their ongoing battle of what to do was rough to read through. When Keesha and Jon get sudden devastating news that will effect the dynamics of their relationship my heart broke. And it also broke the hearts of all of their friends in the process. I tell you the blow was hard to recover from. Then we have Steph and Dom these two come up with a plan to help avoid heartache. Well Possibly, we'll see how that works out for them in book #3. As expected the writing is superb and the story lines provide great laughs and big SHOCKERS. The pacing is good nothing drags along. Alex- I may not agree with his decisions but sometimes you have to do what you think is right. And that is what Alex did. He is a good guy and i like that about him. Meg- What is there not to love about Meg she ROCKED! Loves her! Keesha- I think my heart broke the most for her... She recovered, but damn... Steph-Was her usual plan everything out self. She stuck to what she knows and it works for her. Her and Dominic are sooo adorable together. Ben-Watchout now the guy is morphing into a man. And its a good look on him. Ben has done a 180 and i love it. Jon Jon- Oh Jon Jon.... He is such a sweetheart. Travis- The new kid on the block(pun intended) I loved Travis this guy blends right in with this crew of teens. He was funny, sweet and at times i felt bad that he was all caught up in Meg when she only has eyes for Alex. The Parents- Once again the parents played a big role in the lives of these teens and i love that. Especially the talk Mr. Miller had with Alex. HILARIOUS!
My Ratings Characters- Lovable and Witty Writing Style- Excellent Plot/Storyline- Solid, Fun, Compelling and Favorable Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I LOVED IT!! READ IT!!
WARNING This is a Mature YA that deals with sex, drug/alcohol use and contains the use of foul/offensive language...more
Looking for a good YA read? Then you need to read this! Spoiler Free Review Author to look-out for!!! 3.5 to 4 STARS Genre: YA Romance Series: Book #1Looking for a good YA read? Then you need to read this! Spoiler Free Review Author to look-out for!!! 3.5 to 4 STARS Genre: YA Romance Series: Book #1 in Double Threat Series
Friendships are tested when Sex, drugs, Boys and Betrayal try to drive a wedge in between four freshmen High School females inSo I'm a Double Threat
My typical teen romance revolves around a teenager who has struggled with a traumatic life experience or has been faced with impossible odds this book however is more of an 'How to Deal' type story. Where you have typical teens with typical everyday problems/issues. We all remember our first crush. We all remember our first heartbreak. Well reading as these teens experience all the drama that comes with going to high school made my brain flood with images....
Seriously I found myself so caught up with these teens lives that my heart ached when their heart did. The MC Meg is hilarious she is the only child and lives in a two parent home. Meg has three best girlfriends Amy, Steph, and Keesha. All are double threats. A Double threat is someone who has the brains and popularity. All of them are also fun and sassy in their own ways. The book starts with the summer ending and the girls have been invited to their very first high school party. Remember those?? At the party Meg can't wait to see the guy she has been crushing on all summer Alex Aguilar. A high school Senior. Alex is currently dating Steph's older sister Lydia. But Meg is not worried Lydia goes through guys as quickly as the weekly recycle truck! As time moves on sure enough Lydia and Alex break up. That same night following the breakup the girls attend a party. Meg knows this is her night; Alex who has shown some interest in her will finally makes his move. And he does only its with Amy her best friend.
Meg moves on and accepts that she can't have Alex. However when Alex makes it clear that he was interested in her Meg is floored. The two share an obvious attraction to each other. One that does not go unnoticed...
Thoughts I really enjoyed this book i must admit at first i did not think i would. The beginning was filled with a lot of inner monologue by the mc Meg. But once the other characters came into play the story really picked up. This group of girlfriends rocked i loved their personalities, nationalities and body types. The story flowed at a pretty good pace the character dynamics was good. And the parents are very much involved in the lives of these kids. A WIN in my book!! The only dislike i had was with Alex and his reasons for not dating Meg which i will explain in detail in my characters section. I am a huge fan now Ms. Julie Prestsater! Meg- I adored her she was hilarious! She had an awesome personality plus she was pretty though she found her size unattractive. It did not seem to bother the boys. Her and Alex had good chemistry. I look forward to reading more of her in book2. Keesha- Fun, sassy, witty and did not hold back. She gave it to you no matter how it might hurt your feelings. She was a straight shooter. It hurt to see some of the things that changed in her but in the end she found her way. Amy- Hmmmmmm... This chick was confusing she did things one minute that showed how much she loves her friends and then another second it was like she didn't really care. Needless to say she is a total BEEYOTCH. Steph- Was cool she seems a lot more self disciplined than the others. She was not swayed to cut school or stray from her goals. I liked that about her. Alex- As far as i am concerned his reasons for not dating Meg originally was a bunch of BS. I was not trying to hear it. Excuses Excuses. Hmph. Besides that he was a great friend to Meg and a good boyfriend to Amy. Ben- Came across as a jerkoff at first but eventually he redeems himself so good for him.
My Ratings Characters- Lovable and Witty Writing Style- Strong and Favorable Plot/Storyline- Solid, Fun, and Genuine Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I Enjoyed it! Read it!!! Now go forth and read. The tell us about it on Goodreads!
WARNING This is a Mature YA that deals with sex, drug use and contains the use of foul/offensive language....more
SPOILER FREE REVIEW 5 STAR Read 5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Contemporary Romance READ THIS BOOK!!!! I TOTALLY RECOMMEND It!!! 'Within each of us, there lies SPOILER FREE REVIEW 5 STAR Read 5 STARS out of 5 Genre: Contemporary Romance READ THIS BOOK!!!! I TOTALLY RECOMMEND It!!! 'Within each of us, there lies the innate ability to survive, triumph and overcome, rewriting the scripts of our own lives, having some power over our fate of generations to come.' -Harley's inner monologue
This book really dealt with a lot of topics from Domestic abuse/violence, alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, drug /substance abuse, suicide, forgiveness and of course love. I don't even know where to begin... The main character Harley was so diverse. I often found she was strong yet weak a total contradiction I know. But hey we all have our moments right? She spent most of her early adulthood proving herself so much so she lost what was important in life. Love, family, friendship and happiness. Nope. She ran from family, friendship, happiness and most importantly Love.
The Boots My Mother Gave Me is told from Harley's pov and it shows her journey from youth to adulthood. It was not always pretty in fact it got down right ugly at times. But with all the ups and downs I did get my HEA. Though I did not think it would happen because my girl Harley was a runner and at one point she even compared herself to Forrest Gump.
Harley was raised in a two parent home on a farm in Georgia, Pennsylvania with her younger sister Kat. The farm was the family's main source of income however it was not always enough so her mother Marilyn worked at a local diner for extra cash. John, Harley's father had her Kat and their mother working the farm. While he mostly remained in and out of a drunken stupor. Which left him violent towards his wife and kids often. His violence and hatred knew no bounds at one time he even killed a family pet. Talk about cruelty. The guy was EVIL.
Harley was a tomboy personified. With nothing but boys in her neighborhood and with a boy as her best friend(Jeremiah) she really didn't have a choice. Whatever the boy's did so did Harley. For years she was able to keep the issues at home on the farm hidden. And then one night after her basketball game everything changes. Jeremiah becomes a witness to her fathers verbal assault. When the drama escalates between John, Harley and Jeremiah she finds herself homeless. At seventeen. The thing about Harley is... she is resilient she manages to stay focused. Harley gets her own place thanks to her boss and she moves forward.
Harley has big plans and moving out of Georgia, Pennsylvania is numero uno. And that is exactly what she does the day after graduation. While wearing the boots her mother gave her.
Thoughts First and foremost I think this book was well written I was so in tuned to Harley it was like reading her biography. The boots played an important role in her life almost like a lifeline. I really loved that. I shouted victory when she faced off with her dad. I whooped and hollered when she went and got Kat from that ASSHOLE Joey. Oh and I doubled over in laughter when Joey was found cuffed to the flag pole outside of city hall. Priceless. Hell yeah I loved this book! I totally recommend it!!
Harley-loved to think of grams as the backbone of the family but I beg to differ. It was her hands down. Harley showed strength and loyalty. Proving herself to be a true matriarch. She made decisions her own mother could not. And YES, sometimes her choice was to run. But she always came back when her family's needs exceeded hers. She was called upon time and time again and would drop everything to lend a hand. Her heart was big with her family yet guarded when it came to lovers. Jeremiah- was Harley's best friend. The taker of her virginity and the keeper of her heart. Miah was sweet, loving and not to mention heroic. He suffered a whole lot of loss and Harley didn't help much with her constant here one day gone the next. But he took it in stride and continued to put it on her *Wink,Wink* if you know what I mean. John- was a coward. As far as I am concerned his soul was lost and bitterness ate away at him until nothing was left. Kat- fought her own demons but managed to pull through. Thank goodness! Marilyn- I honestly found her weak. But I guess that can happen after years of being told you are a worthless piece of shit. However in the end she made out good.
My Ratings Characters- Lovable Writing Style- Good Plot/Storyline- Raw, honest and at times profound Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy Overall- I loved it! Now go forth and read. Then tell us about it on Goodreads!
Alexis *Reality Bites*
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