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| 4.19
| 321
| May 02, 2016
| May 02, 2016
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it was amazing
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[image] [image] Title: Back to Yesterday Series: Standalone (Spinoff of the Stolen Breaths series) Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: May 2, 2016 Cliffh [image] [image] Title: Back to Yesterday Series: Standalone (Spinoff of the Stolen Breaths series) Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: May 2, 2016 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been following this author since her first book Stolen Breaths. This is the first time where I've been lucky enough to beta read for her, and what an experience it was! To see this story grow from a vague idea to its polished, finished form was an eye-opening experience. I know first hand how important the author worked to breathe life into Charlie and Sophie. The emotions she was able to wring out of me swung from anxiousness, elation, tension, to grief-stricken. Having met Sophie as Cooper's matchmaker grandmother in the Stolen Breaths series, I was excited to get Miss Sophie's history. Because you can't fully know the present until you understand the past. This is the story of what molded a family. And the struggles of a war torn couple that are more than most can comprehend. Sacrifices had to be made and lives were ravaged, all for the sake of freedom. [image] Sophie is a young woman who guards her heart closely. She's someone who's comfortable in her own skin, speaks her own mind, and holds the wounds of the past as a shield against false promises. But war is a time where there are no promises. No guarantees of a happy ending when putting yourself in enemy lines. “I need someone who will care about me if I don’t come back. I need someone to care about me, Sophie.” My eyes skirted over her head and up towards the moon. I closed my eyes and quietly said again, “I don’t have anyone and I need someone. I desperately need that someone to be you.” Charlie is an Army pilot on leave while his leg heals from an injury. From the first moment they collide, he starts to charm his way into her life. Not deterred by her resistance, he pursues her with an old-fashioned sweetness that sweeps you back to the 1940's. It's a time when Big Band music, swing dancing, classic American diners, and white picket fences were all the eye could see. Pamela knows how to write the quintessential beta hero and Charlie is her best in my humble opinion. Her heroes are ones that cherish, worship, and treat their women to a kind of classic romance that has fallen away from the genre. “I kissed him the way he kissed me and met each touch, each caress, with the same patience, the same reverence as he administered. He made me forget who I was and reminded me of the person I wanted to be.” I've said it before, but it's such a refreshing thing to read, it's like cleansing your palate after reading so many dominating and abrasive heroes. [image] She slips Charlie and Sophie effortlessly into our hearts and minds through flashbacks in dual POV. We get pieces of "today" and moments of "yesterday" that come together in a way that she slowly allows us to see what the final fate of Charlie is to be. She really examines the desperation of the time, and how loved ones had to learn to survive their own emotional battles at home. The uncertainty of it all, the feeling that life was hanging on a thread, you feel all of it right along with Sophie. [image] This was a beautiful love story. A story of survival, faith, and trusting that love will triumph through the darkness. Though it has plenty of angst and sorrow, there are enough moments of laughter and hope to balance the scales. To be honest, historical romance is not one I read very often, this era in particular. But I never felt like I was outside my comfort zone, this story just feels natural and necessary. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to this wonderful family, I'm more than a little sad to see them go. Back to Yesterday will sweep you in to another time. Simpler in some ways, but filled with complexities in others. I can't recommend this enough if you're looking for something a little different than what's out there. Just arm yourself with tissues, you're going to need them. Book Trailer Official Playlist Unsteady-X Ambassadors Dark- Breaking Benjamin Smile- Nat King Cole Ain't He Sweet- Annette Henshaw On and On- The Sweeplings She Used to Be Mine- Sara Bareilles Strong- London Grammar Love in the Dark- Adele Chasing All the Stars- Fleurie High Hopes- Kodaline Come to This- Natalie Taylor Til My Heart Stops- Too Far Moon Journey(Ready to Fly)- Natasha Blume Give Me a Sign- The Sweeplings Shelter- Dash Berlin, Roxanne Emery Oceans- Hillsong United FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] Merged review: [image] [image] Title: Back to Yesterday Series: Standalone (Spinoff of the Stolen Breaths series) Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: May 2, 2016 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been following this author since her first book Stolen Breaths. This is the first time where I've been lucky enough to beta read for her, and what an experience it was! To see this story grow from a vague idea to its polished, finished form was an eye-opening experience. I know first hand how important the author worked to breathe life into Charlie and Sophie. The emotions she was able to wring out of me swung from anxiousness, elation, tension, to grief-stricken. Having met Sophie as Cooper's matchmaker grandmother in the Stolen Breaths series, I was excited to get Miss Sophie's history. Because you can't fully know the present until you understand the past. This is the story of what molded a family. And the struggles of a war torn couple that are more than most can comprehend. Sacrifices had to be made and lives were ravaged, all for the sake of freedom. [image] Sophie is a young woman who guards her heart closely. She's someone who's comfortable in her own skin, speaks her own mind, and holds the wounds of the past as a shield against false promises. But war is a time where there are no promises. No guarantees of a happy ending when putting yourself in enemy lines. “I need someone who will care about me if I don’t come back. I need someone to care about me, Sophie.” My eyes skirted over her head and up towards the moon. I closed my eyes and quietly said again, “I don’t have anyone and I need someone. I desperately need that someone to be you.” Charlie is an Army pilot on leave while his leg heals from an injury. From the first moment they collide, he starts to charm his way into her life. Not deterred by her resistance, he pursues her with an old-fashioned sweetness that sweeps you back to the 1940's. It's a time when Big Band music, swing dancing, classic American diners, and white picket fences were all the eye could see. Pamela knows how to write the quintessential beta hero and Charlie is her best in my humble opinion. Her heroes are ones that cherish, worship, and treat their women to a kind of classic romance that has fallen away from the genre. “I kissed him the way he kissed me and met each touch, each caress, with the same patience, the same reverence as he administered. He made me forget who I was and reminded me of the person I wanted to be.” I've said it before, but it's such a refreshing thing to read, it's like cleansing your palate after reading so many dominating and abrasive heroes. [image] She slips Charlie and Sophie effortlessly into our hearts and minds through flashbacks in dual POV. We get pieces of "today" and moments of "yesterday" that come together in a way that she slowly allows us to see what the final fate of Charlie is to be. She really examines the desperation of the time, and how loved ones had to learn to survive their own emotional battles at home. The uncertainty of it all, the feeling that life was hanging on a thread, you feel all of it right along with Sophie. [image] This was a beautiful love story. A story of survival, faith, and trusting that love will triumph through the darkness. Though it has plenty of angst and sorrow, there are enough moments of laughter and hope to balance the scales. To be honest, historical romance is not one I read very often, this era in particular. But I never felt like I was outside my comfort zone, this story just feels natural and necessary. For me, it was the perfect conclusion to this wonderful family, I'm more than a little sad to see them go. Back to Yesterday will sweep you in to another time. Simpler in some ways, but filled with complexities in others. I can't recommend this enough if you're looking for something a little different than what's out there. Just arm yourself with tissues, you're going to need them. Book Trailer Official Playlist Unsteady-X Ambassadors Dark- Breaking Benjamin Smile- Nat King Cole Ain't He Sweet- Annette Henshaw On and On- The Sweeplings She Used to Be Mine- Sara Bareilles Strong- London Grammar Love in the Dark- Adele Chasing All the Stars- Fleurie High Hopes- Kodaline Come to This- Natalie Taylor Til My Heart Stops- Too Far Moon Journey(Ready to Fly)- Natasha Blume Give Me a Sign- The Sweeplings Shelter- Dash Berlin, Roxanne Emery Oceans- Hillsong United FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
|
not set
not set
|
Feb 2016
not set
|
Apr 23, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B07GD2CL94
| 4.34
| 79
| unknown
| Sep 04, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
[image] Title: A Monster Like Me Series: Heart of Darkness #2 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: September 4, 2018 Cliffhanger: No [image] “It is only at [image] Title: A Monster Like Me Series: Heart of Darkness #2 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: September 4, 2018 Cliffhanger: No [image] “It is only at night that we can see the stars, Zeph. Darkness doesn’t have to be scary. It can be beautiful. You have just forgotten.” It's no secret that I love Pamela Sparkman's storytelling. I've been a fan since her very first book, and with each new release, I have seen her abilities mature and grow. This fantasy series is such a departure from where she started as an author, but I wholeheartedly believe that these two books in the Heart of Darkness series are her most powerful and eloquently written. This set of characters have many tragic events and heartbreaking trials to overcome. The end of The Moon Shines Red, leaves you in a HFN (happy for now) place, but there was much left unsaid, and peace to be won. Overall, more mysteries to reveal with life altering effects. There was one character who was far from left in a happy place, and that is our poor, tortured soul, Zeph. A Monster Like Me begins right where we left off, and reveals the depths of Zeph's despair as he attempts to take his own life. As an innocent child, his promising future was stolen from him, and he became what he most reviled in order to survive. His past had dissipated like an insubstantial dream you can't fully grasp when you wake, forever teasing him in the fringes of his mind. With misguided sins on his conscience, blood staining his hands, and atrocities committed against him, he felt so physically and mentally soiled that he would never come clean. He couldn't conceive of it. Thankfully, his ending was an unexpected new beginning. One that was destined to help him discover all that he had lost, and grace him with so much more than he could have imagined. Love. Hope. Forgiveness. And ultimately, redemption. Guilt was a monster of its own. It was a wall that trapped him, held him prisoner, too big to go around, too mountainous to climb over. It pressed upon him until he was crushed underneath the weight of it, stealing his air and taking his hope. Zeph is not an easy fae to love at first, but there's something about him that snares your curiosity even in his darkest. He comes a long, long, way from who he was in the previous book. Finally getting inside his head divulges things he'd have preferred to forever stay hidden. Things that were rotting him from the inside out. Despite his prickliness, anger, and quick rejection of those who attempt to reach out to him, there's a glimmer of something more peeking out that tells you he isn't beyond help. If there was ever a group of people who had the ability to bring that glimmer out of him and make it shine, it was these unlikely friends. Every time they wrenched a trembling smile out of him, it felt like a victory that was worth celebrating. I loved all of them so much. Searly, who quietly guided them all, and encouraged them to keep on fighting with quiet life lessons and teasing wisecracks. Elin, who overcame a terrible betrayal and taught him the powerful gift of forgiveness, and the strength of family. Lochlan, with the gruff exterior and the heart of gold who knew the true value of friendship after years of loneliness living with a curse. Arwyn, who firmly stood by him in faith, and believed that a man as broken as him was worth piecing back together again. And lastly, Fávian. He was lucky enough to escape tragedy in his young life, but his innate astuteness, poetic soul, and strong principles made him wise beyond his years. Separately, they all struggled with their own demons, some more than others. Together they formed a unified front, and a haven of support. It wasn't an smooth road they traveled together, or a simple one. Your heart aches for Zeph most especially as his sacrifices are revealed. You feel the jagged edges of his ravaged spirit, and his anguished search for a sense of purpose. But there's more to the story than their own personal healing and growth. They've been destined from the start for a higher plan, and fate will eventually lead them to their greatest battle of all. You may be battle-worn. You may be weary. But every one of you are fierce. You are survivors. You are ready. This is your war to win. Your sufferings? They will be the thing that saves you because they are what made you. In your sufferings,” she said, “the world will be saved.” We finally got to know Arwyn in depth here. The violet-haired elf was a bit of a mystery in the previous book, but now we got to sift through all of her layers and discover her hidden talents. As an empath, she is highly sensitive to emotion, and can easily become overwhelmed by what others are feeling. So she's learned to quiet the noise through Nyokou, the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. As she harmoniously connects to nature in meditative archery exercises, she can exhale all of the excess and inhale serenity. Her abundant compassion, and fierce loyalty were just a couple of the qualities that helped her to wait for Zeph so patiently. She was his rock, always believing in him, even when he didn't have the ability to do so himself. As a nurturer, she could neglect her own well-being, and he never failed to step up and give her the support she needed in return. It was in these moments that he gradually re-learned how to define love, and how to express it when it had been absent in his life for so long. [image] Their romance was a slow burn that simmered gently in the background. This is a very character driven story, with some heavy themes to address. With the internal conflicts being faced, I think that the romance was realistically and perfectly paced. Often with romantic fantasy there is an imbalance with either the fantasy or the romance, but that wasn't the case here. Zeph and Arwyn's relationship didn't suffer from a lack of development. I soaked up every bit of the yearning that seeped out of the pages, feeling the ache so keenly. “Your heart is racing,” she said so softly. If he hadn’t been Fae, he probably wouldn’t have heard her. Zeph’s hand covered the thumping organ. “You know my heartbeats?” Arwyn laid her palm flat on the screen. “Sometimes,” she said, “I don’t know if they are yours or mine.” I can't properly express how much I felt for these characters. They grabbed my hand, tugged me gently into their magical dark world, and wouldn't let go. I'm not ready to let go, and I'm more than a little sad that the series has come to a close. Take a chance on these books, and they will pull your heartstrings in the best way possible!!! **A Monster Like Me can easily be read as a standalone, but to get the full experience in both books, I recommend reading them in order. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] Merged review: [image] Title: A Monster Like Me Series: Heart of Darkness #2 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: September 4, 2018 Cliffhanger: No [image] “It is only at night that we can see the stars, Zeph. Darkness doesn’t have to be scary. It can be beautiful. You have just forgotten.” It's no secret that I love Pamela Sparkman's storytelling. I've been a fan since her very first book, and with each new release, I have seen her abilities mature and grow. This fantasy series is such a departure from where she started as an author, but I wholeheartedly believe that these two books in the Heart of Darkness series are her most powerful and eloquently written. This set of characters have many tragic events and heartbreaking trials to overcome. The end of The Moon Shines Red, leaves you in a HFN (happy for now) place, but there was much left unsaid, and peace to be won. Overall, more mysteries to reveal with life altering effects. There was one character who was far from left in a happy place, and that is our poor, tortured soul, Zeph. A Monster Like Me begins right where we left off, and reveals the depths of Zeph's despair as he attempts to take his own life. As an innocent child, his promising future was stolen from him, and he became what he most reviled in order to survive. His past had dissipated like an insubstantial dream you can't fully grasp when you wake, forever teasing him in the fringes of his mind. With misguided sins on his conscience, blood staining his hands, and atrocities committed against him, he felt so physically and mentally soiled that he would never come clean. He couldn't conceive of it. Thankfully, his ending was an unexpected new beginning. One that was destined to help him discover all that he had lost, and grace him with so much more than he could have imagined. Love. Hope. Forgiveness. And ultimately, redemption. Guilt was a monster of its own. It was a wall that trapped him, held him prisoner, too big to go around, too mountainous to climb over. It pressed upon him until he was crushed underneath the weight of it, stealing his air and taking his hope. Zeph is not an easy fae to love at first, but there's something about him that snares your curiosity even in his darkest. He comes a long, long, way from who he was in the previous book. Finally getting inside his head divulges things he'd have preferred to forever stay hidden. Things that were rotting him from the inside out. Despite his prickliness, anger, and quick rejection of those who attempt to reach out to him, there's a glimmer of something more peeking out that tells you he isn't beyond help. If there was ever a group of people who had the ability to bring that glimmer out of him and make it shine, it was these unlikely friends. Every time they wrenched a trembling smile out of him, it felt like a victory that was worth celebrating. I loved all of them so much. Searly, who quietly guided them all, and encouraged them to keep on fighting with quiet life lessons and teasing wisecracks. Elin, who overcame a terrible betrayal and taught him the powerful gift of forgiveness, and the strength of family. Lochlan, with the gruff exterior and the heart of gold who knew the true value of friendship after years of loneliness living with a curse. Arwyn, who firmly stood by him in faith, and believed that a man as broken as him was worth piecing back together again. And lastly, Fávian. He was lucky enough to escape tragedy in his young life, but his innate astuteness, poetic soul, and strong principles made him wise beyond his years. Separately, they all struggled with their own demons, some more than others. Together they formed a unified front, and a haven of support. It wasn't an smooth road they traveled together, or a simple one. Your heart aches for Zeph most especially as his sacrifices are revealed. You feel the jagged edges of his ravaged spirit, and his anguished search for a sense of purpose. But there's more to the story than their own personal healing and growth. They've been destined from the start for a higher plan, and fate will eventually lead them to their greatest battle of all. You may be battle-worn. You may be weary. But every one of you are fierce. You are survivors. You are ready. This is your war to win. Your sufferings? They will be the thing that saves you because they are what made you. In your sufferings,” she said, “the world will be saved.” We finally got to know Arwyn in depth here. The violet-haired elf was a bit of a mystery in the previous book, but now we got to sift through all of her layers and discover her hidden talents. As an empath, she is highly sensitive to emotion, and can easily become overwhelmed by what others are feeling. So she's learned to quiet the noise through Nyokou, the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. As she harmoniously connects to nature in meditative archery exercises, she can exhale all of the excess and inhale serenity. Her abundant compassion, and fierce loyalty were just a couple of the qualities that helped her to wait for Zeph so patiently. She was his rock, always believing in him, even when he didn't have the ability to do so himself. As a nurturer, she could neglect her own well-being, and he never failed to step up and give her the support she needed in return. It was in these moments that he gradually re-learned how to define love, and how to express it when it had been absent in his life for so long. [image] Their romance was a slow burn that simmered gently in the background. This is a very character driven story, with some heavy themes to address. With the internal conflicts being faced, I think that the romance was realistically and perfectly paced. Often with romantic fantasy there is an imbalance with either the fantasy or the romance, but that wasn't the case here. Zeph and Arwyn's relationship didn't suffer from a lack of development. I soaked up every bit of the yearning that seeped out of the pages, feeling the ache so keenly. “Your heart is racing,” she said so softly. If he hadn’t been Fae, he probably wouldn’t have heard her. Zeph’s hand covered the thumping organ. “You know my heartbeats?” Arwyn laid her palm flat on the screen. “Sometimes,” she said, “I don’t know if they are yours or mine.” I can't properly express how much I felt for these characters. They grabbed my hand, tugged me gently into their magical dark world, and wouldn't let go. I'm not ready to let go, and I'm more than a little sad that the series has come to a close. Take a chance on these books, and they will pull your heartstrings in the best way possible!!! **A Monster Like Me can easily be read as a standalone, but to get the full experience in both books, I recommend reading them in order. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
3
|
Aug 26, 2018
Jan 2017
not set
|
Aug 29, 2018
Jun 2018
not set
|
Apr 23, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B0718YL2CB
| 3.84
| 161
| May 05, 2017
| May 05, 2017
|
it was amazing
|
[image] [image] Title: The Moon Shines Red Series: Heart of Darkness #1 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: April 25, 2017 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been [image] [image] Title: The Moon Shines Red Series: Heart of Darkness #1 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: April 25, 2017 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been a fan of Pamela Sparkman's since her debut book, Stolen Breaths . I will read anything she writes, but I must admit, I was in a frenzy of excitement when she decided to take on the fantasy genre. It couldn't have come at a better time, because I've been finding my way back to fantasy and PNR in the past year. You might even say it's my current This story is completely different from all of her others in almost every way. Most notably, the mysterious undertone throughout this entire book. It weaves between the characters and ties them together in a genius way. The riddle of the hero's curse will keep you flipping the pages and attempting to work out where it will lead you. When what is blue turns red, your child will bring man to his knees in sorrow For they will not see the light of tomorrow Let it be so until the mountains move and the rivers shiver As soon as what's been shrouded is revealed, all wicked souls will quiver A refusal shall mark an age of tranquility And the restoration of balance shall bring forth a remedy [image] Lord Lochlan is conceived from love, but judged and condemned as shameful. An innocent punished for the perceived crimes of his parents. He exists centuries in isolation and misery, just surviving. Never experiencing a normal life or even a promise of the beauty the world has to offer. Death is his consort, coldness his constant companion. He's grown weary, sunk into despair at the hopelessness that he'll ever escape his fate. The path to freedom begins with the most unlikely little spirited package. He admires her fire and wit, he tries to keep her at a distance for her own safety. But while his presence has always commanded fear and awe, Elin quickly overcomes his intimidating magnetism and surly disposition. [image] Even in the outdoors his presence dominated, consumed, like a monolithic column rising above the ground. His essence was as tangible as the man himself. Even the air around him hummed in reverence. I loved Lochlan. He was protective, strong, and genuine, yet darkly cryptic. Even after suffering the contempt of his people and centuries of hurt, he maintained a light underneath that darkness. From the beginning, it was obvious to me that he was ripe for redemption. He only needed someone with the courage to fight this monumental battle by his side. There is a brewing war, and his battle is integral to the outcome of it all. The only question is, is he doomed for damnation or is there a flicker of hope in all of the madness? Hiding unthinkable scars that it seems could never be healed, he hold everything inside and lets it fester. Never revealing the deep cut that he can never forgive himself for. [image] Elin was a young woman who like Lochlan, knows what it's like to be judged for being different, found wanting. Forced to move to Kaelmor Kingdom with her parents in search of safety, she unknowingly moves closer to the fire. Danger is never far from her, but she lacks the knowledge to protect herself. She's intelligent, yet a little naive at first and more than a little innocent. That innocence is heartbreakingly shattered, and her whole world is shifted in ways she couldn't have imagined. But through her pain, we see her grow into a steely resolve and strength no matter what's thrown at her. With Lochlan, she has a protector, a friend, and a man who she yearns to be close to. Their forbidden love delivers an ache and anticipation that draws you right into their rioting emotions. They're passionate. Tender. Desperately longing for the impossible. “I came back.” His heart swelled. “Why?” She shook her head. “Because, I felt like you needed me. Did you? Need me?” All he could do was look at her, wondering why it took so long for her to come into his life. “Yes,” he said. “I think I always have.” Nothing is quite what it seems in this story. Their journey is filled with malevolent forces, hidden agendas, and shocking truths. The ending leaves you with one story complete, and another waiting to be told. Knowing what she has planned for the next in the series, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm already counting down the days until she starts writing. This character is one that is completely torn, broken, and filled with complexities. Tormented doesn't even begin to cover him, and I know his will be one fascinating and twisted tale. Pamela Sparkman always knows how to write a story full of emotion, true romance, and meaning. But this book has exceeded my expectations and shines brighter than I ever could have anticipated. The Moon Shines Red is a love story born in impossible circumstances, and strengthened in adversity and tragedy. There are power struggles, deceit, and secrets to be uncovered. It's about the balance of good and evil, choosing sides and fighting for something that's worth dying for. It's the ultimate fantasy romance that poses the question, "Can love really conquer all?" [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] Merged review: [image] [image] Title: The Moon Shines Red Series: Heart of Darkness #1 Author: Pamela Sparkman Release date: April 25, 2017 Cliffhanger: No [image] I've been a fan of Pamela Sparkman's since her debut book, Stolen Breaths. I will read anything she writes, but I must admit, I was in a frenzy of excitement when she decided to take on the fantasy genre. It couldn't have come at a better time, because I've been finding my way back to fantasy and PNR in the past year. You might even say it's my current This story is completely different from all of her others in almost every way. Most notably, the mysterious undertone throughout this entire book. It weaves between the characters and ties them together in a genius way. The riddle of the hero's curse will keep you flipping the pages and attempting to work out where it will lead you. When what is blue turns red, your child will bring man to his knees in sorrow For they will not see the light of tomorrow Let it be so until the mountains move and the rivers shiver As soon as what's been shrouded is revealed, all wicked souls will quiver A refusal shall mark an age of tranquility And the restoration of balance shall bring forth a remedy [image] Lord Lochlan is conceived from love, but judged and condemned as shameful. An innocent punished for the perceived crimes of his parents. He exists centuries in isolation and misery, just surviving. Never experiencing a normal life or even a promise of the beauty the world has to offer. Death is his consort, coldness his constant companion. He's grown weary, sunk into despair at the hopelessness that he'll ever escape his fate. The path to freedom begins with the most unlikely little spirited package. He admires her fire and wit, he tries to keep her at a distance for her own safety. But while his presence has always commanded fear and awe, Elin quickly overcomes his intimidating magnetism and surly disposition. [image] Even in the outdoors his presence dominated, consumed, like a monolithic column rising above the ground. His essence was as tangible as the man himself. Even the air around him hummed in reverence. I loved Lochlan. He was protective, strong, and genuine, yet darkly cryptic. Even after suffering the contempt of his people and centuries of hurt, he maintained a light underneath that darkness. From the beginning, it was obvious to me that he was ripe for redemption. He only needed someone with the courage to fight this monumental battle by his side. There is a brewing war, and his battle is integral to the outcome of it all. The only question is, is he doomed for damnation or is there a flicker of hope in all of the madness? Hiding unthinkable scars that it seems could never be healed, he hold everything inside and lets it fester. Never revealing the deep cut that he can never forgive himself for. [image] Elin was a young woman who like Lochlan, knows what it's like to be judged for being different, found wanting. Forced to move to Kaelmor Kingdom with her parents in search of safety, she unknowingly moves closer to the fire. Danger is never far from her, but she lacks the knowledge to protect herself. She's intelligent, yet a little naive at first and more than a little innocent. That innocence is heartbreakingly shattered, and her whole world is shifted in ways she couldn't have imagined. But through her pain, we see her grow into a steely resolve and strength no matter what's thrown at her. With Lochlan, she has a protector, a friend, and a man who she yearns to be close to. Their forbidden love delivers an ache and anticipation that draws you right into their rioting emotions. They're passionate. Tender. Desperately longing for the impossible. “I came back.” His heart swelled. “Why?” She shook her head. “Because, I felt like you needed me. Did you? Need me?” All he could do was look at her, wondering why it took so long for her to come into his life. “Yes,” he said. “I think I always have.” Nothing is quite what it seems in this story. Their journey is filled with malevolent forces, hidden agendas, and shocking truths. The ending leaves you with one story complete, and another waiting to be told. Knowing what she has planned for the next in the series, I'm not ashamed to say that I'm already counting down the days until she starts writing. This character is one that is completely torn, broken, and filled with complexities. Tormented doesn't even begin to cover him, and I know his will be one fascinating and twisted tale. Pamela Sparkman always knows how to write a story full of emotion, true romance, and meaning. But this book has exceeded my expectations and shines brighter than I ever could have anticipated. The Moon Shines Red is a love story born in impossible circumstances, and strengthened in adversity and tragedy. There are power struggles, deceit, and secrets to be uncovered. It's about the balance of good and evil, choosing sides and fighting for something that's worth dying for. It's the ultimate fantasy romance that poses the question, "Can love really conquer all?" [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
Mar 12, 2017
not set
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Mar 13, 2017
not set
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Apr 23, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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| 4.06
| 3,084
| Jan 13, 2018
| Jan 13, 2018
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really liked it
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[image] [image] Title: A Crack in Everything Series: Cracks Duet #1 Author: L.H. Cosway Release date: January 30, 2018 Cliffhanger: Yes HEA(view spoiler)[No [image] [image] Title: A Crack in Everything Series: Cracks Duet #1 Author: L.H. Cosway Release date: January 30, 2018 Cliffhanger: Yes HEA(view spoiler)[Not yet (hide spoiler)] [image] A Crack in Everything is a book that will reach inside of your chest, give your heart a squeeze, and leave you breathless. It's a fresh and original coming of age story about two teens on the cusp of adulthood. Ev and Dylan navigate through their first love together while exploring their sexuality, their hopes for the future, and a devastating tragedy. There was a feeling of dread throughout a good bit of the story, knowing that the sweet promise of what they discovered together was going to eventually lead to heartbreak and sorrow. With one unexpected event, their lives would be turned upside down and nothing would ever be the same again. After some subtle foreshadowing sprinkled throughout the book, I was anxiously flipping the pages hoping that my prediction was wrong. Evelyn meets Dylan when he pushes his way into her apartment in a moment of desperation. Technically this wasn't their first meeting, but their first interaction. Little did she know, that he had been quietly observing her for some time, since she moved into the dreary council flats where he lived. The only thing that she knew about him was that this attractive boy who could have been popular had no interest in it, and that only made his mysterious aura and allure even stronger. There was a fire and passion in him that was a bit like watching a shooting star overhead. Bright, beautiful, and destined for unreachable places far away. Dylan struck me as the type to hate fiercely, but also to love just as fiercely. He felt all of life’s emotions with everything he had in him, and there was a captivating sort of appeal about that. In their corner of the world, you either accepted your lot in life, or you dreamed big, and worked harder to escape. Evelyn is the former, possessing an inner glow for life and a positive attitude despite the hardships she has already had to overcome. There's something beautiful about a young girl being so strong in mind and spirit, but at the same time there's a little bit of naivety there on her part that the ugly part of the world can't tarnish her. I loved her optimism, and her self-confidence in her own identity and purpose in the world. Dylan's father is prone to catastrophic thinking, and has anxiety as a result of that. In other words, he automatically jumps to the worst possible outcome of any situation. When you’re raised by someone ruminating over doom and gloom, your life becomes very dark and lonely place. But as Ev and Dylan's friendship and attraction grow, her effervescence helps him to see the world through a different lens. They were so sweet around one another, but had these great introspective talks that elevated them above a simple teen romance. There was a connection and fervor that was very genuine and relatable. I needed to make this last, so I could etch his taste into my memory, fold his smell in crepe paper and save it for a rainy day when I needed some sunshine. That’s what he tasted like��bottled sun. Golden, like the flecks in his hair. I adored Dylan so, so much. He was such a strong, yet sensitive guy who cherished those he loved. He was extremely intelligent, and his heightened sense of smell was something I found fascinating and completely original. Unique or quirky personality traits are a staple in Cosway's books, but I really feel as if she went above and beyond with these characters. And with the air of urgency hanging over them, it made for a very fast paced read. I zipped through this first part in one night, alternating between dread and elation. Besides one small quibble over the couple's actions that I found to be out of character, I was blissfully happy with this first installment. The minor detail didn't have a large impact over my overall enjoyment at all, in fact, the angst was everything I hoped it would be and more. If you're considering reading this, don't hesitate! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a poignant read about young love that faces tough choices and crippling grief. The ending is unresolved of course, but it's not a suspenseful cliffhanger. Book #2 in the Cracks Duet, How the Light Gets In releases February 6, 2018 FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 28, 2018
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Jan 28, 2018
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Sep 26, 2017
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Paperback
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| B071H62TLL
| 4.23
| 2,934
| Jun 13, 2017
| Jun 13, 2017
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liked it
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[image] [image] Title: Sugar & Gold Series: Dreamcatcher #2 Author: Emma Scott Release date: June 13, 2017 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoil [image] [image] Title: Sugar & Gold Series: Dreamcatcher #2 Author: Emma Scott Release date: June 13, 2017 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] It's hard to believe I've only been reading Emma Scott's books for a year now, but in that time I have discovered the of the beauty and grace of her writing. Her skill at easily drawing out my emotions for her characters has quickly made her one of my top auto-read authors. It doesn't matter what genre or subject matter she decides to explore, I'll be first to add it to my TBR. That being said, sometimes I just can't shut off my inquisitive mind when reading, and in this case, that prevented it from being a big winner for me like they have been in the past. There were too many times I kept stopping to question the validity of different aspects of the plot. In other cases, I just wanted more of an explanation or closure. But judging by the overall excitement for this book, I know that I'm in the minority with my pickiness this time so please don't let me scare you off from checking this unique story out. Fiona Starling is twenty-three, but only now is she getting her first taste of independence and freedom. After surviving childhood lacking in love, she reached adulthood vulnerable to the manipulative man who swept her into his web of lies. It took her years to escape the abuse at his hands, but his words still have the power to mark her every single day. His taunts and insults are a constant soundtrack to her psyche, tearing into her self-worth until she can forcibly turn down the noise. I believed Steve had rescued me; only to find out he was carrying me off to a colder winter. A different kind of prison altogether. Everyone has a dream. Hers is a simple one: finding peace. And Costa Rica is her plan to finally break free from the chains that still bind her. Nikolai is a tortured man, struggling to just find some semblance of peace himself. Unlike Fiona, it isn't just one person who invades his head, it's him against the world. Every person he comes in contact with transmits emotions and sometimes even thoughts through a color and image aura he's named the ken, that only he can see. His unwanted ability to read people leads him to a lonely life on the road playing poker for a living and trying to limit human contact for his own sanity. Up until now, the only momentary escape he can find is the pain at the end of a tattoo needle. But his canvas is almost completely covered, and he's not sure how he can manage without that small comfort when it's gone. Then he meets Fiona, and during their one night of passion something inexplicable falls into place. It was her voice that echoed in the hollowed out place inside me that belonged to everyone but me. But she was there now and she filled it up with all that was her and I felt whole for the first time in my life. Fiona is the first person he's met who radiates kindness, care, and compassion. The only ugliness surrounding her is the one that haunts her, and he wishes with everything he has that he can take it all away for her. When they're together, the buzz of their intense attraction is only a bonus. The real prize is the comfort and the quiet they both give each other. Though neither has any experience with a healthy relationship, and she doesn't want to alter her plans to leave the country they're both willing to try. Fiona… My shield. Protecting me and giving me rest. And I lay beneath her, strong and unwavering. A foundation she could rely on. Until one devastating event knocks their lives off course in a way neither could have anticipated. I have to say, the direction that the story went took me completely off guard. To be 100% honest, I didn't love this twist. I felt as if there were too many details that didn't seem at all plausible. (view spoiler)[After she hits a pedestrian on the street and severely injures her, she's sent to prison for three years. There was a distinct lack of a hearing, trial...in a matter of DAYS while he was gone she was sentenced to three years in prison for reckless driving. When she hadn't even been speeding...though they said she was. There were clearly other people at the crime scene, witnesses who helped the victim. And yet, because the injured woman was a senator's daughter, Fiona got imprisoned for years on his say so. Similarly, her release was equally quick and easy. (hide spoiler)] The main characters were sweet together, the secondary characters endearing and supportive friends. I did enjoy this couple, and the PNR element was one that I was really interested to read about. But the nagging plot points were rearing their head. (view spoiler)[For example, one thing I couldn't let go was Fiona's own abilities that were hinted at through the book. There were two instances where she had prophetic dreams about Nik, just as Evan can do from How To Save a Life. (He makes an appearance in this book as well.) As well, she had a curious knowledge of the color auras. I felt as if all of these hints were leading somewhere substantial but we never discovered any particular meaning. "Evan said that what he and I do is to tap into the energies of the universe.” He smiled sleepily at me. “Maybe you did that too.” “Maybe, but how? Why me?” Nik reached for me, pulled me up to nestle me against his chest. “You’re part of this too, baby,” he said. She's part of it too? How? Why? When Fiona is explaining to him what she believes certain colors to mean, she says gold is a romantic, fairy tale kind of love. (46%) “Gold is the color of love.” She rested her cheek on my chest. “Not the love between family members, or mothers and their children. I mean the fairytale love, where the prince would do anything for the princess, even if it meant his own life. And the princess would sacrifice herself to the dragon if it would save the prince. The kind of love that… transcends, though I didn’t have that word at the time.” Nik's immediate thoughts were: My thoughts drifted back to Fiona’s color poems. It doesn’t mean anything… It’s just a coincidence. Except that pink was exactly as she’d described: how the ken translated kindness. And gold? I’d never seen gold. Then I remembered that he had, in fact seen the color gold, earlier in the book. When Fi's neighbor came over to visit, the color flared in response to the child. Not only that, but they appeared in response to a non-romantic type of love. (26%) More doorbell ringing followed, and Fiona’s face lit up, the light around her flaring pink and gold. Fiona's divorce: as she was preparing to leave the country, she asks her friend to serve divorce papers to her ex whom she is legally still married to. It's never mentioned again if his address was found, if it went through before they left the country...? Steve is not exactly the type to be accommodating with her. He was the definition of narcissistic and selfish. So now I'm wondering as they escape to their happily ever after if she's still tied to the monster of her past. There was no closure for me. And one other thing that made me sit back and wonder was Fiona's need to break her parole conditions and use a fake passport. I understood why she needed one originally before she met Nik. She was on the run, and using a false name. But now? Why would she risk getting thrown back in prison for her original sentence, PLUS an additional ten years for false papers? I just didn't get why she took such a monumental risk just because she didn't want to wait. (hide spoiler)] Issues aside, what I loved most about this book was Fiona's journey to self-empowerment. Spousal emotional abuse is an important topic to be educated about, and I feel as if it was very delicately and respectfully addressed. Fiona came out stronger in the end, realizing that she alone was relinquishing her power to him, and she had to make the choice to own it and take it back. While this wasn't a huge five star win for me, I know that many others loved it wholeheartedly, so I urge everyone to give this a chance if it sounds like something they would enjoy. It was an original story with a miraculous kind of love that had the strength to heal two very broken people. *Though Sugar & Gold is connected to How to Save a Life with recurring characters, this is a complete STANDALONE. I did not read HTSAL and had no issues whatsoever. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 08, 2017
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Jun 09, 2017
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Mar 11, 2017
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Kindle Edition
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| B01G4TEKT2
| 3.96
| 39,704
| Jun 07, 2016
| Jun 07, 2016
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it was amazing
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[image] [image] Title: Idol Series: VIP #1 Author: Kristen Callihan Release date: June 7, 2016 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] N [image] [image] Title: Idol Series: VIP #1 Author: Kristen Callihan Release date: June 7, 2016 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] Not only am I a huge fan of this author, but I'm also a little addicted to the rockstar romance genre. So there was no doubt in my mind that this was fate. A match made in red-hot, hard rock heaven in this gorgeously packaged story. Bribery was not off the table, and I might have been willing to sell a kidney to get my hands on this book. I've loved Kristen Callihan's Game On Series. She helped breathe life back into New Adult sports romance, a genre that had gotten grossly stale and cliché. So to say that I was ecstatic about seeing what her rocker characters would be like was an understatement. Her trademark witty bantering and well developed supporting characters were in full attendance. I'm thrilled with this new set of characters and am firmly committed to continuing with the coming books. Killian James AKA "Lawn bum" made quite a grand entrance into Liberty Bell's life. (Yes, that's actually her real name.) Why Lawn bum? He crash landed on her lawn looking like an inebriated homeless person and promptly vomited all over her as an added bonus. Nice. Let's just say he didn't endear himself very well to her at the starting gate. I immediately saw that Libby was not the shy type and wasn't afraid of pointing out the error of his ways. And she had one hell of a sense of humor, the way these two clicked and immediately started to exchange barbs with one another made me sink into the story with glee. I was immediately hooked. "You need hard labor to forge you into a better person?" "Yeah." He smiles. "Yeah, I think I do." "And you want me to...what? Mr. Miyagi you?" His laugh is a rolling wave, deep and warm. "Fuck yeah. Paint the fence. Sand the floor." "And when you're done, we can go down to the sea, and you'll balance on one leg." Libby and Killian spend a couple months as neighbors out in the country. He's still trying to come to terms with a traumatic experience in the past, and she's generally pulling a hermit act and avoiding society. She has wounds of her own and likes the peace and solitude of her farm. That is, until he comes along and shatters her safe and isolated world. [image] The best surprise for me was that the heroine was a gifted singer, songwriter, and guitar player. Her parents were in the music business, and she learned from the best. My absolute favorite scenes were seeing Killian discover the raw talent that she had and how she inspired him and brought back the joy in music that he thought he had lost. Their jam sessions, and his unconditional faith in her talent was such a pleasure to read. She matched him: in song, in spirit, and in their natural charisma that they both held that performing brought out of them. He challenges her. To step out of mediocrity and reach for the stars with him on tour. [image] Tour life is sex, rock and roll, and clandestine, scorching hot encounters. Anyone who knows Kristen Callihan's writing knows that she writes sexual tension to perfection. And once again, she did not disappoint. Though I will say that I would have liked to have seen them go public with their relationship sooner. Libby was being fairly stubborn and tough headed in letting go of her fears. I was ready for them to dispense with the conflicts of their secrecy. As she learns the ups and downs of the music industry, the joys of performing and the challenges of public perception, she has some tough choices to make. Where is her place in his world? Is she satisfied to be his biggest supporter, or is she destined for more? The majority of the book was five star worthy and I was highlighting like mad which is a good sign that you've found yourself an great book. I was fascinated with the side characters and am thoroughly intrigued over where each of them will find their HEA. However, there was something that occurred during their brief separation that left too many questions in my mind unanswered. Overall, Idol was a rush to read. I had that giddy feeling running through me. When you're desperately turning the pages and completely spellbound in a story. And after reading the tease of the band manager Scottie's book, I'm not only sold, but I'm desperate for more. This was an exciting start to the VIP series, and one you're not going to want to miss. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 27, 2016
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May 29, 2016
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Mar 17, 2016
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Kindle Edition
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| B01GDHY0KO
| 3.77
| 400
| 2016
| Jun 26, 2016
|
it was amazing
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[image] [image] Title: Underwater Series: Underwater #1 Author: Maayan Nahmani Release date: June 26, 2016 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoi [image] [image] Title: Underwater Series: Underwater #1 Author: Maayan Nahmani Release date: June 26, 2016 Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] When I started reading Underwater, I had plenty of preconceived notions about what I was in store for. Just knowing the subject matter involved losing a parent to cancer, I'd steeled myself for plenty of sorrow and tears. I knew that this story grew and nourished from the most painful time in the author's life as a way to get through her toughest days. The ring of truth to what the heroine experiences emotionally isn't something that can be manufactured. That was something that I was prepared for. What I didn't realize was that while this book had a heavy undertone to it, it was laced with enough humor and romance to keep it from making the story unbearably sad. The light and the dark pieces of the story balanced themselves out and made this book such a smooth reading experience. I never felt like I was burdened with too much hurt for what the characters were dealing with, it was addressed honestly but gently. Aria has been handed the kind of news that no one ever expects to hear: her father has a deadly disease and this new reality that she lives in has become a nightmare. She struggles with denial, fear, anger, despair, and helplessness. So many times she feels like she's on the precipice of falling, of crumbling when she has no choice but to be strong and solid. For her father. For her family. She has to be the foundation that holds everyone up one day at a time. Only this becomes more of a struggle than she was prepared for which leads her to a local support group. And one very silent and withdrawn man named Dorian. Dorian has his own nightmares to battle every day. He's scarred, inside and out with memories that haunt him from his time in the military. He deals with Post-traumatic stress disorder. Like wounded animal, he lashes out and won't allow anyone close to him. I couldn't make the nightmares go away. They clung to my consciousness, pulling me back to the black days that changed my entire life forever. I was fighting a raging war within. A war where the enemy lived inside of me...fed by my fears and constant anger, and eating me up from the inside. When they met, there was an immediate recognition. Pain seeing pain. There was an understanding and a lack of fear between them that caused a peace to settle over Dorian. She soothed his battered heart and brought out a protective and instincts a mile wide. This hero had the feel of the Aurora Rose Reynolds type of Alphas from her classics. If you like jealous and possessive tortured heroes this will be the perfect fit for you. You know the kind I'm talking about. They growl "mine", and you can picture them pissing a circle of ownership around the heroine to scare off all potential males sniffing around. That was Dorian, he had me laughing at his lack of restraint when it came to her. [image] What I loved about Aria was her strong sense of determination and strong will. She was a survivor-not a damsel in distress. She may have been wrapped in a tiny package, but her spirit was a warrior daring anyone to try to beat her down. She was the perfect fit for Dorian, a partner to lend comfort and understanding that he needed. Underwater was a beautiful story. It was about loss and the tenacity of the human spirit to weather the storms that are beyond our control. Maayan took on some sensitive topics and handled them with surprising competence for a debut author. I'm already sold on reading her next book in the series, the tease at the end has me very intrigued. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 16, 2016
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Jun 17, 2016
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Mar 28, 2015
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Kindle Edition
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| 1508776202
| 9781508776208
| 1508776202
| 4.10
| 20,690
| Mar 22, 2015
| Mar 17, 2015
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it was ok
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2.5 I was loving this book so hard in the beginning. Too bad both of them made TOO MANY really bad choices. Pissed me right the hell off. My winning st 2.5 I was loving this book so hard in the beginning. Too bad both of them made TOO MANY really bad choices. Pissed me right the hell off. My winning streak is officially over. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 23, 2015
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Mar 24, 2015
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Feb 25, 2015
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Paperback
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| B00MK395BU
| 4.07
| 30,705
| Mar 24, 2015
| Mar 24, 2015
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really liked it
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[image] Title: Manwhore Series: Manwhore #1 Author: Katy Evans Release date: March 24, 2015 Rating: 4.5 stars Cliffhanger: Yes HEA(view spoiler)[No (hide sp [image] Title: Manwhore Series: Manwhore #1 Author: Katy Evans Release date: March 24, 2015 Rating: 4.5 stars Cliffhanger: Yes HEA(view spoiler)[No (hide spoiler)] [image] No story was told in one day. No secret revealed in one hour. Nothing lasting built on a single moment. Don't be fooled by the seemingly simple blurb given for this book. If it sounds like something you've read before, think again. This one packs one hell of a punch-I was not expecting to get sucked into the whirlwind named Malcom Saint-but oh, how I did. And I loved every minute of it. Manwhore was yet another big hit for me in the past few weeks. I've had one of the most successful reading months that I can ever remember having. I have no idea how this is happening, but I'm just going to enjoy the ride while it lasts. In my opinion, this is the best book from Katy Evans to date-by far. And to be honest, my expectations were not set high because I knew that this book would have a trope that I'm less than thrilled about. The heroine is a journalist who sets out to get an exposé on Chicago businessman Malcolm Saint. In the process, she connives her way into his inner circle in order to dig out all his secrets to expose. What I don't like about this set up is that... Number one: the heroine inevitably will fall for the hero, but their relationship is forged in lies. Number two: the conflict is pretty much the same every time. The heroine gets found out and we all know what happens then. But to my shock, I ended up completely devouring this book. All my normal issues didn't even make a blip on my enjoyment radar. Saint was the ultimate hero in my eyes, the author did an amazing job building his character into one that is sure to bring on an unending amount of heart pounding moments. He's one that will stand out and easily be memorable against the uncountable numbers before him. [image] Right from your first introduction to him, Katy Evans manages to suck you into his charismatic, mysterious, and dangerous spell. This is the type of man that people stand in awe of, a man that intimidates and puts fear in his opposition's eyes. For a second I feel like the world moved faster, that somehow ten seconds were all crammed into the space of one-the one where this man went past me. Like a lightning bolt. ...Then it hits me. That the storm was Malcom Saint. Yes, the hurricane was Saint. I feel a prick of dread. Rachel goes into her assignment with a lot of naiveté and stubborn tenacity. In a way, I admired her courage to go up against such a man, on the other hand? All I could think was, this will NOT end well. Rachel was like a little lamb headed for slaughter and I couldn't look away. I was completely sunk-addicted to watching this couple's story and watching their incredible chemistry grow and unfurl. [image] The tension that was built between these two as they tried to resist one another was absolutely incredible. When I tell you that I was on edge for more than half of the book just waiting for the breaking point-you have no idea. Intense doesn't even cover these two. "I can't breathe," I whisper, somehow easing my head back as he edges forward. His eyes start fluttering closed, his eyelashes dark on his cheekbones as his lips come within a breath of mine. "I don't want you to breathe." Rachel knows getting involved with Saint would be professional and personal suicide. It was a train wreck waiting to happen-she'd lose her job, and her hopes for comfortably taking care of her mother's mounting medical bills. But most importantly, she'd lose the one man who's managed to make her want a future with. Saint has always been Chicago's most unattainable manwhore and his trust is not something he gives out to just anyone. But not only does he let Rachel in, he opens his life to her in ways he never has before. And that hurt to think what was in store for him. The longer the book wore on, the more frustrated I got waiting for her to woman up and do the right thing by him. Although her intentions were good, she was making bad choices and all I could do was wait for the repercussions of her silence. In a way, I understood where she was coming from, but I couldn't help feeling she took stubborn to a whole new level. If you're looking for a book that will keep you tense, restless, excited, and completely engrossed, this one's for you. This book intoxicated me and left me begging for more. I don't know if I can hold out until Manwhore +1. [image] Katy Evans' Manwhore Playlist **Note to Eliza: Thanks for the Buddy Read! I always have such fun with you! ** ps...I WON. Saint is MINE. ;) [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 11, 2015
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Feb 06, 2015
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Kindle Edition
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| 4.23
| 1,852,614
| Feb 01, 1999
| Feb 1999
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it was amazing
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[image] Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Series: Standalone Author:Stephen Chbosky Release date: February 1999 Rating:5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA(view [image] Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Series: Standalone Author:Stephen Chbosky Release date: February 1999 Rating:5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] I read this book almost in one sitting. (If I hadn't started so late in the day, it would have been.) I have to say it really shocked the hell out of me how much I ended up enjoying it. It’s not that I’ve been living on Mars or just flat out ignorant of the fact that this book was hugely popular. Or even that there was a movie made of it a couple years ago. This just isn’t my typical type of book and really didn’t ever plan on reading it. I had this impression that it would be a sort of cheesy, high school book about a nerdy introvert that’s mostly fluffy fun. But that's not what I got at all. The more I read, the more I realized that this was such a pensive and thoughtful look on those fragile teen years. When everything is bright and exhilerating, but on the opposite side of the coin, painful and uncertain. And it was so genuine feeling, at times I found myself wondering if any of this was based on the author's real life experiences. We all have ideas of what we think we’ll like based on our past reads. But lately, all these books that have so much so-called potential have been falling flat too many times. So I agreed to read this with my friend and just keep my mind open to something different. And clearly, based on my rating, I’m glad I did. I didn’t analyze it as I read it, or even pick out quotes. I just experienced it. And you really can’t read this one any other way. [image] This book is entirely written through Charlie’s narrative in his letters to a mystery person. It's open to interpretation who it is he's pouring his heart out to, and I loved that. It was very personal and diary-like and allows us into his deep-set hopes, dreams, and fears. I loved how engagingly it was written, it really brought me back those school years when everything was uncertain and your future right there on the horizon. [image] Yes, Charlie was a shy introvert, but he was defined by much more than that. And you experience his experiences through his eyes. You feel his emotions through the mundane details as well as the more evocative details of his life. He’s a deep thinker, and mature before his years, but in other ways still kind of naive. Really, you see that this intelligent boy with a genuine heart is kind of drifting through life feeling invisible by his family and everyone at school. His best friend’s suicide in middle school deeply affected him as well as his Aunt’s death later on. And now he's just trying to find people who will finally make him feel at home. Enter Sam and Patrick. They're seniors and Charlie a lowly freshman. But they show him immediate acceptance and all of a sudden he's not just that lonely, quiet kid anymore. [image] Charlie is so sweet and charming he just takes over your heart with his thoughts on love, family, school, and his ponderings of what the future will hold. How the past has affected those he loves and how his actions at that moment will affect his own future. When he came up with the idea to give his mother a present on his own birthday to show his love and appreciation for her, it just put the biggest smile on my face. Or when he gave everyone Christmas gifts that were personal and unexpected. Most guys that age aren't so insightful but in other ways he was idealistic and unable to face certain realities. Like his love for Sam. The dreaded truth or dare kiss at the party was not his finest moment. [image] I came to love Sam and Patrick just as much as Charlie. Their acceptance and friendship was in a word, everything. They brought out Charlie's courage, his adventurous side, and helped him open his eyes to a lot of things. Even though there wasn't the type of romantic thread running through it that I'm used to, or even remotely any amount of erotic moments, I wouldn't have changed the story in any way. It just illustrates how we need to step outside our self-constructed reading boxes and shake things up. I'm so happy I made the decision to read this, it's so thought provoking and something that will stand out for it's thoughts on love, friendship, and one boy's self-discovery. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 31, 2015
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Feb 2015
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Jan 30, 2015
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||||
| 1310344159
| 9781310344152
| 4.21
| 6,163
| Mar 09, 2015
| Mar 09, 2015
|
it was amazing
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[image] Title: Hearts of Fire Series: Hearts #2 Author: L.H. Cosway Release date: March 9, 2015 Rating: 5 stars Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hid [image] Title: Hearts of Fire Series: Hearts #2 Author: L.H. Cosway Release date: March 9, 2015 Rating: 5 stars Cliffhanger: No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] It's no secret that I'm a huge L.H. Cosway fan. Her fresh and invigorating stories always leave me desperate for more. She takes the quirky and offbeat, and twists them up in a feast of the senses. And let me say, I gorged on every indulgent, decadent morsel from beginning to end. She's a drop everything, lock yourself in a solitary room, and not come up for air until you finish type of author. This book in particular was especially exciting for me. Because first of all, it's set in the circus and I was dying to see what she would bring to the table that kind of backdrop. My imagination was running riot with all the possibilities. And secondly, Jack is Jay Fields' long lost brother. Jay from Six of Hearts was one of my ultimate favorite characters so just that connection alone brought my need to read this to an urgent level. So when this popped up on my Kindle, I did a little disappearing act and wasn't found until morning. It was phenomenal. [image] Jack McCabe didn't have that explosive charisma that his brother had. He was more of a man of shadows and quiet intensity. He was a towering inferno of bottled up pain and he makes you want to either wrap your arms around him or back away from him very slowly. Strong, dark, and with a dangerous glint in his eye, he was imposing and formidable. Nobody has been able to penetrate that stay away vibe that conceals the hidden undercurrent of hurt and loneliness. Jack was another amazing hero from LHC. Page by page, she built this brooding, unattainable man that Lille was drawn to like a moth to flame. His eyes held a thousand dark, carnal promises, and I felt completely lost, had no idea how to respond. Lille is a girl quietly suffocating under her mother's uncaring control. She's free spirited and adventurous at heart, but never allowed to pursue the things in life that excite her. The only way she gets to enjoy her love of art is through face painting children at the restaurant where she works. At that is where she runs into Jack and Marina (the owner/ringmaster of the circus). And after seeing the show she gets invited to tag along with them to France which her adventurous heart can't refuse. This is her one chance to throw caution to the wind and break free from everything that's been draining her of happiness. She grabs hold with both hands. I wanted to get my heart broken. I wanted to live through every high and low, because otherwise I wouldn't be living. Jack and Lille were polar opposites but yet seemed to be the perfect counterpart for each other. She was glowing with life and optimism. He was broodingly hard and seeking to escape the memories of the dark circumstances that fell on him as an innocent child. [image] As much as Lille wants Jack to notice her, she has no illusions he sees her as anything other than an annoyance. His brazen and bold manner with her seems to be fueled by his enjoyment of ruffling her composure. The sexual innuendos he throws out couldn't possibly mean anything, right? So she sets her mind on becoming a friend to him. Someone he can trust and confide in. Because more than anything, she wants to be that person who knows him better than anybody else. I didn't see him as a damaged little boy, I saw him as a unique, wonderful, yet very breakable grown man. The passion between these two combusted off the pages. After trying his hardest to stay away from her, the tension was built to an impossible level. But it was well worth the wait. Jack reveals an unusual part of himself to her during this time and I was kind of conflicted about how I felt about it. He has this fetish that in some ways are unsettling and yet strangely it didn't turn me off. (What that says about me, I don't know, but being real, I thought they were insanely hot together.) [image] There was a plot arc about a murderer/rapist was living among the circus community. I can't say that there was a twist there that surprised me regarding that. After a certain event in the book, it became glaringly obvious to me who was responsible (At least, in part). But I really didn't mind too much, because I was too focused on a certain character from another book making a sudden appearance... [image] I just about died from excitement. The reunion between the two brothers ripped my heart out, tore it up, squeezed it, and pumped it back to life again. It was everything. I love Jay, and Jack, but together, they are a force to be reckoned with. (view spoiler)[Not only that, but Jay played a big part in the murderer's capture at the end. As much as I loved how she worked that into the story, I did feel like Jay overshadowed Jack and I would have liked to have seen Jack play more of a role in the resolution. (It is his book after all.) (hide spoiler)] All the little things I found in the plot weren't enough to knock my rating down. I came away from this book glowing in book giddiness. There's something about the way that L.H. Cosway writes that makes me feel her stories so deeply. She just has the ability to say a thousand things with the simplest words and make you feel so much. His smile grew slowly. "I like the way you see me." I smiled back. "I like seeing you." [image] Loved, loved, loved! And the epilogue was absolute perfection I was so sad to see the book come to a close. BUT...there's going to be another standalone connected book!!! King of Hearts! It's about a side character named Oliver King and release is set for this summer. Am I already impatient? You know it. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 16, 2015
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Nov 09, 2014
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ebook
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| 4.10
| 26,230
| Dec 29, 2014
| Dec 29, 2014
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it was amazing
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[image] Title:Raze Series:Scarred Souls #1 Author:Tillie Cole Release date: December 30, 2014 Rating:5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide [image] Title:Raze Series:Scarred Souls #1 Author:Tillie Cole Release date: December 30, 2014 Rating:5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] This book is essentially about the depths of depravity and torment that one man must endure to make his way to freedom and the one woman who was born to be his. Luka Tolstoi is one of three princes of New York's Russian Mafiya. Kisa Volkova is the Mafiya princess who had his heart from the first time he set eyes on her as a child. And those eyes. *sigh* I loved the detail about his eyes holding a piece of hers inside them-it was such a romantic piece of an otherwise violent and brutal story. Mama said God placed a piece of my eye within his so we would always know we shared one soul. If it weren't for things like this, I don't know if I would have loved the book as much, although as beautifully as it was written I know I still would have appreciated its impact on me. This book is one that will hopefully reach inside you and make you hurt for this horribly wronged and tortured hero. I know I did. But what this man becomes in order to keep his body and soul intact makes his fated love story all the more powerful and significant. What he becomes is a monster, a killer. [image] In these three families, there is a betrayal, a murder, and an injustice. Luka is sent away and he's lost forever, even to himself. He's sent to Hell on earth-a place where boys go and fight to the death, they're tortured, beaten, and treated as animals. Only the strongest of the strong survive for long and Luka (now Raze) becomes a stone cold killing machine with no thoughts other than training and his next kill. Until his escape. Now he has one thought, one goal: Revenge. Kisa is the dutiful Mafiya daughter. She loves her family, and though she's terrified of her fiancé, Alik Durov, she continues to do whatever is required of her and take his abuse. After Luka is sent away, she became almost numb and he was able to slip in and take control of her. Alik is an extremely dangerous and abusive person, but Kisa blindly ignores the signs that he could easily eventually kill her. One one hand, it was really frustrating how she allows his horrible treatment of her. He was really scary with her and she never speaks up and talks to her family about it. But the way she mentally checked out after losing her soul mate makes it believable, though I didn't like it. I hardly recognized the girl before me anymore. She got lost somewhere over the years, hiding away, running for her life. Raze returns to New York and when he and Kisa's paths intersect again, he feels that same immediate urge to protect her even though he holds no memories of his past. Everything before the underground prison is a total blank. (You're probably wondering how he remembers who to get revenge on if he has no memory, but that is explained with a rational explanation.) Tortured out of him through electric shock and drugs. But being near her starts making him feel things. Warmth filled my chest like the sun had moved its home inside of me. I'd only ever felt cold before. The cell was cold. Killing was cold...I was always cold, but right now, I was warm...I felt alive. No longer dead inside. Kisa is just as conflicted. This man who appears to be the love of her life, who she believed was dead isn't the same man she holds in her memories. [image] This couple is anything but your average sweethearts. What they both have to endure is downright gutting at times. So much pain, heartbreak, and injustice. I wanted an emotional read that would really hit hard and that's what I found in Raze. Tillie Cole leaves me breathless how she can depict each scene with such skill that every one of my senses are right there inside the world she creates. Feeling, seeing, and hearing every emotion and experience that each character experiences. This was one of those books for me that I started late at night and literally was so transported into the story that I fell asleep while holding my kindle, woke up, and immediately read the last section of the book. It's the definition of un-put-downable for me. Would I recommend this book? Hell yes, I would. I was nervous to try this one out because I thought it might be too difficult to read but that wasn't the case at all. It's well worth the pain for the beauty of Kisa and Luka. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 03, 2015
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Jan 04, 2015
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Sep 23, 2014
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ebook
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| 9781310426995
| 4.34
| 16,078
| Aug 25, 2014
| Aug 26, 2014
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really liked it
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[image] Title:Sweet Fall Series:Sweet Home #3 Author:Tillie Cole Release date: August 26, 2014 Rating:4 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hid [image] Title:Sweet Fall Series:Sweet Home #3 Author:Tillie Cole Release date: August 26, 2014 Rating:4 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] [image] Sweet Fall is darker than what I was expecting. Sweet Home was...sweet. It was a feel good book about a romantic College romance with a star athlete and an intellectual girl who didn't really fit in. So it came as a surprise how different this book turned out to be. This book is about the outcasts. One because of where he was born, the other because of a disease that eats away at her mind. This isn't a fluff filled New Adult story filled with hooking up, flirting, and meaningless conflicts. This book is raw, real, and contains serious life issues. It isn't always pretty, and it's characters don't always do what society deems right. Sometimes choices are taken from you. Sometimes life takes you places you never want to visit again. Sometimes you fall. Lexi puts on a dark mask. In every sense of the word. [image] She uses it to cover up all the hurt, everything she wants to hide from the world. She's just been deemed "recovered" from Anorexia. A disease that ripped her life apart and changed her forever. She escaped with her life despite the voice nagging her in her mind that she's not enough. That voice that continues to taunt her no matter how much she tries to ignore it. That same voice that took her best friend away, and she's not sure she can avoid the same fate. [image] She's not your typical cheerleader...she has the whole goth painted face and wears all black. She seems scary on the outside, but on the inside, she's very breakable and very alone. She seemed so small. Seemed so fragile. Like the littlest thing could destroy her. Austin was a hardcore, edgy guy who's whole life has only experienced hardship and scorn. His mother is the only positive thing in his life and she's slipping away from him through a disease that he and his brothers can't afford to fight. He grew up in poverty, falling into gang life, but managed to escape through his talent in football. But the taint never went away. He'll always be the guy who can't be trusted. To stay far away from. Lexi and Austin get tangled up in the worst possible way-she's a witness to his brother's crime on campus and she's the one person who could crush his entire future. They begin with fear, hate, and intimidation. [image] He hated me, and I feared him. But I did care. I cared so deeply that he'd seen the real me. The girl who didn't measure up. The girl with too many flaws. But neither can deny that they see likeness in each other's eyes. They see understanding. But most of all, they see acceptance. Something that they both need like air to breathe. Ain't no one ever looked upon me with such grace, with such trust before, and I felt humbled that she chose to gift it to me. They have to meet in secret. Being publicly together could end in disaster. Dangerous. So they are each other's secret place of comfort. They can unload their burdens on each other and for the first time, feel free to be their true selves. [image] When Austin tries to push Lexi away and protect her from the choices that he's being forced to make, they both lose their grip and their security. This book was difficult to read in parts because of what this couple has to live through. Lexi is overcome with doubts, crippling insecurities, and her small shoulders are heavy with the weight of it all. Austin is living through the hell of seeing his mother suffer and the having to choose between his entire future or doing things, things he never wanted to be a part of again and ease her pain. The last section of the book is tense and difficult-I was really hurting for these two broken souls. [image] The one thing that bothered me was the scene where Lexi's father accepts Austin based on reading Lexi's diary and seeing how deeply she feels about him. I'm sorry, I didn't see that ever happening. He accepts him solely based on the fact that he made her happy? Even though he's covered in tats and piercings from head to toe, has dealings with a gang, and the absolute worse reputation? And he knows exactly what he's been doing in that gang? As a parent, I can tell you, it wouldn't be that easy to accept him for my daughter, no matter what the circumstances. This book was much more than I was expecting to get. It was bravely written by the author about a topic that is very much a part of her and that honesty can be seen shining through the story. This disease is a true battle every day and I can't imagine living and struggling with it. If you want to read a book that will hit your heart and make you feel, look no further. It's a great story of healing and redemption and acceptance. It's not an easy love story but a story that's gritty and genuine. Another great read by Tillie Cole. **ARC provided for blog tour in exchange for an honest review** FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 14, 2014
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Aug 17, 2014
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Jul 29, 2014
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ebook
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| 1455559342
| 9781455559343
| 1455559342
| 4.08
| 22,432
| Oct 21, 2014
| Nov 11, 2014
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4.5 "To The Bones" stars! [image] Title:One Night Denied Series:One Night #2 Author:Jodi Ellen Malpas Release date: November 11, 2014 Rating:4.5 stars Cliffh 4.5 "To The Bones" stars! [image] Title:One Night Denied Series:One Night #2 Author:Jodi Ellen Malpas Release date: November 11, 2014 Rating:4.5 stars Cliffhanger:Yes HEA: (view spoiler)[HFN (hide spoiler)] [image] [image] I've been a fan of Jodi Ellen Malpas ever since she introduced us to beautiful, psychotic, over the top Jesse Ward. But it wasn't just her hero that kept me coming back for more. She has a way of pulling me in until I am completely immersed in her stories all wrapped up in her characters like a warm blanket. It's pure escapism in the most thrilling way. I was delighted to find that in M and Livy's first book, I got completely different characters, but that same exciting feel as I had in the past. As in most trilogy series, in book one, you get an introduction to the characters and then, inevitably, you're left hanging. [image] Now the second book, that's where the real "meat" of the trio is typically, and boy, did she deliver a strong story. This book was all about revelations, passion and intensity, and a WHOLE LOT of crazy. In fact, this is where the book veered off path for me some. The crazy train was running full speed ahead, so fast I almost got whiplash. I really debated whether to knock off a full star or not, but in the end, decided on half a star because of the truly gripping page turner that was delivered. I went through an almost 450 page book tense, on the edge, and I was pretty much a human flytrap with my perpetually dropped jaw. For all of you Jesse fans who felt like M was too civilized and tame? [image] Let's just say M's wolf came out to play and that wasn't all that was revealed. Livy's mother's story, how it ties into her own seemingly doomed love affair, and the mystery of Miller were the main focus of One Night Denied. Livy struggles through the entire book, feeling despair at her disillusionment over Miller yet caught up in a web that she's unable to extract herself from. [image] I felt her pain and heartbreak. She was defenseless against M and his desperation for her. For their desperation for each other. I couldn't set this book down until I found out how this couple was going to make it back to each other. "Let me put right what I've broken." "That's me," I choke. "You've broken me." "I can fix you, Olivia. And I need you to fix me, too." But I was kind of enjoying the angsty, push and pull struggle they had going on. Miller was irresistible in his passion for her. She had become a part of him. So necessary to survival that when they were separated, he wasn't able to function anymore. She is his everything. [image] Miller is a dark soul and that really came out to play more here. I'm not going to say more than that, but some light is finally shed on his past, his OCD habits and phobias, and how he fell into his current situation. I'm caught up in his confounding, dark world, and I have no faith that anything can free me from it, not even William, no matter how hard he tries. Was I satisfied with this next installment to the series? That's an unequivocal yes. Despite the considerable length, it was fast paced and completely enthralling. I love the intensity you get from a JEM read. I felt like my heart never stopped pounding and there was a whole lot more depth than I was anticipating in both of their backstories. My one complaint was that the craziness steamrolled out of control in the last 20% or so. So much, my eyes bugged out over some of Livy's actions. When you step on this ride, be prepared for some bumps. Your hair's about to be blown back. [image] [image] I'm giving this book a theme song. Every word of it reminds me of M and Livy. Remember this one? This is about as much of a spoiler for the plot I can give you. But it's perfect. M and Livy's song All the song mentions in the book: Portishead's 'Glory Box' Ellie Goulding's 'Explosions' Florence and the Machine's 'Rabbit Head' Kid Mac's 'Pursuit of Happiness' Stone Roses' 'Waterfall' Faithless's 'Insomnia' Imagine Dragons' 'Demons' FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 20, 2014
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Oct 22, 2014
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Jul 08, 2014
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Paperback
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| 4.10
| 214
| May 24, 2015
| May 25, 2015
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really liked it
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[image] [image] Title: Leaving Me Behind Series: Standalone Author: Sigal Ehrlich Release date: June 5, 2015 Cliffhanger:No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spo [image] [image] Title: Leaving Me Behind Series: Standalone Author: Sigal Ehrlich Release date: June 5, 2015 Cliffhanger:No HEA(view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] Have you ever stopped and taken stock of where you are in life and wondered, "What if?" What if I could just run away, jump on a plane and never look back? Start over in a new country on a fresh page, seek out new adventures, and find the passion that's been missing in life? Liv does every day. Every day she fights the urge to boldly give up the cushy job that has given her a financially comfortable life, and seek inspiration and excitement. Because she's a reasonable, logical person, and they don't do impulsive and reckless things like that. Until one day, she snapped and finally made up her mind. She was going to quit her job, leave her therapist, and start over in a small and quiet beach town outside of Barcelona like she's always dreamed. [image] What I loved about this story was the heroine's leap of faith and pursuit of joy for her life. It was a story about self-renewal and healing and self-discovery. Liv has been seeing a therapist for the issues that have been plaguing her for her entire adult life. When it comes down to it, everything stems from some serious "Mommy issues." Her mother's inherent disapproval of every facet of her life and lack of acceptance has caused a rift between them. And understandably, the long-term affect has been that she never quite feels good enough. But she never quite knows how to correct it. [image] I completely loved the atmospheric setting in Spain and the multi-cultured friends that Liv connected with. It was a little bit reminiscent of Penny Reid's Knitting in the City group of girlfriends. They get together, share wine, and ponder men and dating. They were such an entertaining group of ladies, they put a big smile on my face seeing so many unique women come together and act silly and let loose. I enjoyed the humorous side of the book, it cut through the soberness of her personal journey and gave the book a lighthearted tone. The heroine's inner musings ranged from introspective, to intelligent humor, to self-depreciating wit. Not to mention a whole lot of lusty thoughts about one fiercely passionate Spaniard who she can't take her eyes off of, and vice versa. The hero and heroine have a very unique meeting and following first interactions. They have this smouldering, buzzing attraction and don't do a lot of talking. They lock eyes on several occasions and Liv is ready to use a little sexual therapy to begin her new life. [image] He's all rough, sharp, and dripping of sin. Tan skin. His eyes warm, luring pools of dusky brown framed by thick, black lashes. It's more than evident his nose was broken. Nonetheless, it just adds the necessary touch of roughness. And...hand on heart, who doesn't really healthily appreciate roughness? He's an amazing hero, I really loved Sebastian. He was that perfect strong and dominant type hero that had the ability to reach inside your chest and pull at your heartstrings at the same time. I can't fault him for a moment in the book, he was just that good. He was extremely sexy, sensual, and unwavering in his attempts to convince Liv to let him in. You see... Liv was insane. Okay, not really, but I did doubt her sanity after she pushed this perfect male specimen away at every turn of the page. Her original plan of a one-night stand steadily evolved through his perseverance. Not to mention: he rocked her world. Let me tell you, this book was provocative, lusty, and it made me swoon on numerous occasions. [image] Liv has a huge issue with allowing herself to become emotionally attached with people-but most especially with men. It's another result of her childhood issues that she is working to identify and overcome. I sympathized and appreciated the fact that such ingrained issues can't be magically, instantly solved. Her progression was honest and natural feeling. However, I'm not going to say it didn't frustrate me here and there. She was a difficult person to empathize with at times because of her stubbornness and attempts to keep her emotional distance. But in the end, I really enjoyed the message of discovering the ability to love yourself and change the things that drag you down and prevent you from seeing the beauty and promises that life has to offer. This book was a fun, erotic story of one woman's journey finding happiness, trust, and love. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a little bit different to escape in. For me, it was a sweet and romantic story that did not disappoint. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 13, 2015
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May 14, 2015
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Jun 22, 2014
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ebook
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| B00D0MZXDO
| 4.17
| 17,031
| Jul 29, 2014
| Jul 29, 2014
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really liked it
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[image] Title:Rogue Series:Real #4 Author:Katy Evans Release date: July 29, 2014 Rating:4 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [ima [image] Title:Rogue Series:Real #4 Author:Katy Evans Release date: July 29, 2014 Rating:4 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] [image] Rogue isn't the story about Prince Charming finding his Cinderella and riding off into the sunset together. It's about the "King of the Underground". A man who's about to inherit a dark world that he wants no part of. In his world, he's known as Zero. The son of the Underground's owner and collector of debts by any means necessary. He was taken away from his mother at the age of 12 by his father who controls everyone and everything around him. And he's gone along with everything asked of him-he had no choice. In the dark place he inhabits, it's kill or be killed. And as much as he despises what's he's become he has one ray of light giving him hope for the future. Discovering the location of his mother. And if he stops playing the game, his father will never give him the one thing that allows him to cling to his humanity. His one last task before his father dies is to collect all the debts off the list he's given or else that hope is lost. He has no room in his life for a passion, an obsession for one woman. But that's exactly what he gets. "In my line of work distractions don't go well." "Is that what I am? A distraction?" "You're my fucking obsession. Not even a fantasy anymore. You're going to be the death of me, princess, and I don't give a shit anymore. I just don't want to be the death of you." One of things I liked about him was how completely and totally drawn to her he was despite his head telling him it was impossible. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't rid himself of his desperation for her. [image] He was so captivated by her, yet the emotions she stirred could be nothing less than dangerous. She was a weakness he couldn't afford. I had two emotions in my life before I met her, anger and detachment. Now she's given me ten more. Lust, frustration, concern...even joy. I have never, ever wanted anything the way I want those green eyes to memorize me the way I've made it a religion to memorize her. Melanie...she wasn't the brightest bulb in the box, but she was strong, resilient, and but I think a lot of women can identify with some aspects of her character. With her need to be loved, to be accepted, and to find that "one" that will make her life complete. The problem is, she's looking in all the wrong places and in all the wrong ways. She's the party girl, the fun one, but after the party is over, they don't stay to get acquainted. She never seems to be good enough for forever. [image] Everything about Greyson screams at her that he's different. That he values her and sees her as special for once. She ignores all the signs that point to him being dishonest and secretive. Because what they have is unimaginably good and she can't give him up. Every touch, every whisper, everything I share of myself with him feels so right; like an electric wire plugged into the right socket, I feel a new life force flow in me, almost euphoria. Despite the fact that there was poor, poor editing (despite the steep price), inconsistencies resulting in a few WTF? moments...I decided on a four star rating for two reasons. First of all, for the steaming HOT passion between the two MCs. Every single scene I ate up and devoured-LOVED it. They were intense, and I have to give Katy Evans props for her excellent writing ability in that area. The other thing that swayed my rating was the fact that from start to finish, despite my issues that I had with several factors, I was completely invested in the outcome of the story from beginning to end. Even though things annoyed me at times, I was never bored and I cared about what happened to the characters. I might be being generous, but based purely on the enjoyment factor? I can't complain too much. I rooted for this bad man and good time girl to find their way to each other. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 10, 2014
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Oct 11, 2014
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Jun 02, 2014
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Kindle Edition
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| 3.84
| 2,226
| Jun 17, 2014
| Jun 17, 2014
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liked it
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[image] Title:Wrecked Series: Standalone Author:Emily Snow Release Date: , 2014 Rating:2.5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] Title:Wrecked Series: Standalone Author:Emily Snow Release Date: , 2014 Rating:2.5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] [image] I've been waiting on this book for a while and I thought for sure that it would be something I would enjoy. Both the hero and heroine are musicians, there's seemed to be a little bit of angst in it, and I have enjoyed this author in the past. Unfortunately, this book fell through in grabbing my emotions for the characters. I felt bored through much of the book which led to a lot of skimming. I did think that the basic structure and story were good, but it was a lot of little details that added up to make this less than great. There were several things I did enjoy about it. But honestly, this book was only o.k. and not something I would ever read again. First of all, I really think Rhys needed a lot more work. The first half of the book is spent primarily on Evie. Her history. Her emotions. Her personality. The only thing we really know about him is: He's hot. He's a little older and her music teacher's assistant. He's now her tutor. His brother killed her sister in a drunk driving accident. They only have a couple interactions where she fights her extreme attraction to him because she feels like she's betraying her sister. But I really didn't feel to much about that because I didn't feel to much about him. What's his personality? What's his character? How does he feel about Evie? I wasn't seeing any clues about that. And my feelings of ambivalence continued. To be fair, I may be a little spoiled reading so many dual POV books, but I still think with more interaction between the two of them and more insight into who he really is, it would have grabbed my interest more. The other thing that bothered me was the annoying drama with her roommates. It was all: [image] [image] I don't know, I guess I'm past the point where immature fighting over a guy and gossiping behind backs interests me. [image] But the biggest thing that bothered me was the fact that even though she realized right away that he was the brother of the guy who killed her sister, he didn't know who SHE was. And she never tells him. I kept waiting for her to just come out and tell him. I waited after they finally got together. I waited after HE told HER about what his brother did and how much it haunted him. I waited. But she decided to continue being dishonest and building their relationship on lies. It bugged me so bad and all it was was unnecessary drama. Maybe she was going for angst...but it wasn't working for me. What did I like? I liked that they were both talented musicians. He was a singer, he played piano, and guitar and he was a sweet guy who had been dealt a hard life, just like her. I loved the scenes that involved music with them-I wished there could have been more scenes involving that. [image] I enjoy her writing style and the story had potential but the story wasn't anywhere near what I was expecting. This type of New Adult is not my thing, although, I know that some readers out there may still enjoy it. I prefer New Adult that leans more to the Adult rather than the New. FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 19, 2014
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Jun 19, 2014
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Apr 18, 2014
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| 4.26
| 6,545
| Nov 04, 2014
| Nov 04, 2014
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did not like it
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None
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1
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not set
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Oct 10, 2014
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Apr 06, 2014
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ebook
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| B00IMVESR0
| 3.91
| 193
| Feb 24, 2014
| Feb 24, 2014
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liked it
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I liked this book, and then I didn't as much. I had kind of a hard time rating this. Don't you hate that? The beginning started off with a bang, [imag I liked this book, and then I didn't as much. I had kind of a hard time rating this. Don't you hate that? The beginning started off with a bang, [image] the middle started to lag a tad, [image] and the end was like a waiting game for what I knew was going to happen. [image] Then I got to about 90% and it wasn't looking like it was going to wrapped in a HEA and I started to get really annoyed. [image] This book is not listed as book 1, part of a series....nothing. So this was not a happy sight to see. 98% hit me and I was like.... [image] Cliffhanger.....NOOOOO. [image] [image] I am OVER unexpected cliffhangers, not to mention heroines that can't freaking communicate and cause unnecessary drama, and Heroes that make really brainless decisions. Their relationship was sweet, but they both made too many WTF moments and I really think a lot of it was dragged on too long. I gave it a 3 because the story was decent, it caught me in the beginning, and the sex was hot, but it got a little stagnant and the ending was less than satisfactory. [image] ...more |
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1
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Mar 20, 2014
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Mar 21, 2014
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Mar 20, 2014
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Kindle Edition
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| 4.05
| 1,894
| Sep 02, 2014
| Sep 02, 2014
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liked it
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**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review** [image] Title: Frayed Series:Connections #4 Author:Kim Karr Release Date: September 2, 2014 Rating:2.5 s **ARC provided in exchange for an honest review** [image] Title: Frayed Series:Connections #4 Author:Kim Karr Release Date: September 2, 2014 Rating:2.5 stars Cliffhanger:No HEA: (view spoiler)[Yes (hide spoiler)] [image] [image] In this companion novel to the Connections series, we get Ben and Bell's story. If you've read the other books in the series, you know that these two characters are shall we say, less than desirable-cheaters, both seemed selfish and made a whole lot of mistakes. So why, do you ask did I read this? Curiosity. It's an author's most difficult job to take two characters that they've made unlikeable and wave their wand and make them (believably) likable. If they can do that, I can truly appreciate their writing skills. I loved River and Dahlia in the first book and I'm pretty loyal to that couple. So now the question is...do Ben and Bell deserve a second chance? Have they grown and learned from their mistakes and only become better from them? We know from reading Connected and Torn that Bell and Ben committed the ultimate betrayal against Dahlia. Ben cheated on her back in college with Bell. Not only that, even though Bell and Dahlia didn't know each other, she knew he had a boyfriend and she selfishly pursued him anyway. Years later, Ben and Bell run into each other again and they find that that same attraction that they were unable to fight in the past is still there and just as strong. [image] I am, as always, completely under the spell that is Ben Covington-whenever he is near me now, then, and dare I say forever? But attempting to form any attachments past a few sexual encounters would be insane...impossible....doomed. Their history is too shameful and too many people they love wouldn't accept them. So why do they keep circling back around to each other? [image] We find out that there were some sad events that occurred between Bell and Ben back in college. But there was one person who was left in the dark-Ben. And Bell isn't ready to tell him her secret. Because despite their attempts to keep things casual and friendly, the more time they spend together, the more they realize that the feelings they have can't be rationalized. They understand each other in a way no one ever has before and the connection they have won't allow them to lie to themselves. They begin to believe they can try to make this work. Happiness fills me, all of me, every part of me. I never thought two people so lost in this world could make each other feel found, but we have. They have to make this work...only, can it ever work until she's completely honest about their past? Could it ever work if she is honest about their past? I wasn't so sure. Once she decided to come clean and the bomb is dropped, there are hurt feelings and lots of anger on both sides. This couple had so much to overcome I wasn't sure they could plausibly make it. Disapproving family members, secrets, shameful memories...it all added up to some considerable conflict. All these things kept me engrossed in the story, but I never truly cared for them as I should have. I saw change and growth on both their parts, but Bell got it more right than Ben and I would have liked to have seen more regret over their part in what happened with Dahlia. Ben seemed just as selfish as ever through most of the book but he did realize the error of his ways and try to make amends. I wish I could say that this couple was redeemed in my eyes by the end-maybe they were somewhat, but I didn't fully sink into their story and fall in love with them. They had a great chemistry, they were trying to redefine themselves and start over-I admired that, but it fell shy of completely absolving my past feelings for them. [image] FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image] [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jul 24, 2014
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Mar 08, 2014
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ebook
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Christie«SHBBblogger»
>
Books:
has-a-playlist
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| 4.19
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it was amazing
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Feb 2016
not set
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Apr 23, 2023
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| 4.34
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it was amazing
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Aug 29, 2018
Jun 2018
not set
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Apr 23, 2023
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| 3.84
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it was amazing
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Mar 13, 2017
not set
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Apr 23, 2023
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| 4.06
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really liked it
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Jan 28, 2018
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Sep 26, 2017
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| 4.23
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liked it
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Jun 09, 2017
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Mar 11, 2017
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| 3.96
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it was amazing
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May 29, 2016
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Mar 17, 2016
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| 3.77
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it was amazing
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Jun 17, 2016
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Mar 28, 2015
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| 4.10
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it was ok
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Mar 24, 2015
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Feb 25, 2015
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| 4.07
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really liked it
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Mar 11, 2015
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Feb 06, 2015
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| 4.23
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it was amazing
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Feb 2015
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Jan 30, 2015
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| 4.21
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it was amazing
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Feb 16, 2015
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Nov 09, 2014
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| 4.10
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it was amazing
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Jan 04, 2015
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Sep 23, 2014
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| 4.34
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really liked it
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Aug 17, 2014
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Jul 29, 2014
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| 4.08
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Oct 22, 2014
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Jul 08, 2014
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| 4.10
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really liked it
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May 14, 2015
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Jun 22, 2014
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| 4.17
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really liked it
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Oct 11, 2014
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Jun 02, 2014
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| 3.84
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liked it
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Jun 19, 2014
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Apr 18, 2014
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| 4.26
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did not like it
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Oct 10, 2014
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Apr 06, 2014
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| 3.91
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liked it
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Mar 21, 2014
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Mar 20, 2014
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| 4.05
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liked it
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Jul 24, 2014
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Mar 08, 2014
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