Showing posts with label Favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favorites. Show all posts

Monday, June 2, 2014

"Sometimes in life, we need a few bad days in order to keep the good ones in perspective." ~ Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover: Book Review



Publication Date: March 18, 2014
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased via Amazon

~Synopsis~
At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…


~Review~

Trying to find the words to adequately express how this book made me feel has been difficult. I was gutted, absolutely ripped apart and at one point had tears rolling down my face. I was on a plane; crying on a plane because this book was that beautiful and I couldn't control my emotions. Colleen Hoover has a really incredible writing style and she can tell a story like nobody's business.

I absolutely adored Ridge and Sydney! They build this beautiful friendship through their shared love of music and they really connected with one another. They come into each other's lives at a time when both of them really needed each other and I was unequivocally enthralled with their interactions. They fell in love right before my eyes and both their desire and their passion jumped of the pages. However, there are some very strong obstacles standing in their way and that's what makes this book so very heart breaking. I could feel the struggle that Ridge and Sydney went through as they tried to ignore their feelings and do the right thing. Sometimes the right thing isn't always whats right.

Ridge and Sydney walked a fine line but I loved the way they expressed their feelings to each other through the songs they wrote. They make incredible music together and they do it in such an unexpected way. I felt like their souls were intertwined with one another and this left them longing for something they didn't know if they could ever have. There are twists and turns and secrets to be revealed but I'm not in the business of spoiling a book, especially one this amazing so I don't want to delve into the plot too much. However, know this; it's gut wrenching and will grab a hold of you to the very end.

One of the most amazing parts of this book was the music. I am a huge music lover and associate music with my reads all the time. Sydney and Ridge write some amazing songs and as you go through the book, there is a link to the songs when they appear through out the story and you can actually listen to Griffin Peterson sing the song. This really kicked the book up a notch for me and added an incredibly unique element that made it that much more intimate and captivating. If you love Colleen Hoover, read this book, you won't be disappointed. If you've never read a book by her, read this book and you will fall in love with her writing!

~IPOD Picks~
"I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons
"Breathe" by Taylor Swift


PURCHASE LINKS:

About the Author:
I love music. LOVE music. Namely The Avett Brothers, Lumineers, Pink, Eminem. I have eclectic taste? If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

I'm addicted to diet pepsi and could tell you in a taste-test which restaurant it came from. It's a serious addiction, I tell you. 

I get stoked whenever I get a message from goodreads saying I have a new friend request...so request me, dangit! 

If you want to know when I have new books out or just want to be inundated by random, pointless blog posts, follow me at www.colleenhoover.com 

Avoid my Twitter at all cost. It's propaganda.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Four Years Later by Monica Murphy


Today is my stop on the blog tour for Four Years Later by Monica Murphy, hosted by Inkslinger PR. I am in love with this series and Four Years Later did not disappoint. Check out my review and enter the giveaway.

Four Years Later
(One Week Girlfriend #4)
Author: Monica Murphy
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: New Adult
Source: eARC via Inkslinger PR

~Synopsis~
Over. That about sums up everything in my life. Suspended from my college football team and forced to cut back my hours at The District bar because of my crappy grades, I can’t keep turning to my sister, Fable, and her pro-football playing husband, Drew, to bail me out. I just can’t seem to find my own way. Weed and sex are irresistible temptations—and it’s messed up that I secretly hand over money to our junkie mom. A tutor is the last thing I want right now—until I get a look at her.

Chelsea is not my type at all. She’s smart and totally shy. I’m pretty sure she’s even a virgin. But when she gives me the once over with those piercing blue eyes, I’m really over. But in a different way. I won’t deny her ass is killer, but it’s her brain and the way she seems to crave love—like no one’s ever given her any—that make me want her more than any girl I’ve ever met. But what would someone as seemingly together as her ever see in a screwed up guy like me?


~Review~

I have been looking forward to this book since I read One Week Girlfriend several months ago. I am absolutely, unequivocally in love with this series and Owen and Chelsea give Drew and Fable a run for their money in terms of favorite couple. Owen and Chelsea are so different from one another but they bring out the best in each other. This is what makes them so perfect together.

Chelsea is quiet, shy and a bit awkward. She’s a prodigy and a college junior at the age of 19. Between school, working at a diner and tutoring, she doesn’t have a lot of time for fun. While her roommate and best friend, Kari, tries to get her out of her comfort zone, Chelsea isn’t having it. In fact, she’s a bit uptight. Owen is having a little too much fun. Instead of going to class and studying, he’s drinking, partying, smoking weed and enjoying the ladies. However, if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s bound to fail his classes and be kicked off the football team. When Chelsea becomes Owen’s tutor, they both get more than they bargained for. However, Owen’s keeping a few secrets and Chelsea has some of her own. Will they trust each other enough to fully open up or will the secrets ruin everything before it really starts?

I loved the chemistry between these two. Chelsea doesn’t trust men and has never really been attracted to a guy before; until Owen walks in. She is instantly taken with him and she is definitely surprised by this. I really liked her inner turmoil as she tried to deny the blossoming feelings that she developed for Owen. Considering everything she’s dealt with concerning her mom and dad, it’s understandable that she would be skeptical about love so falling for Owen is the last thing she ever thought would happen. Owen doesn’t really believe in love and he’s never given any woman a second thought beyond getting them into his bed; until he meets Chelsea. She gets under his skin instantly and I think he was more than surprised by that. The moment he met her, no other girl would do. When they are together, they have this amazing connection and Owen opens Chelsea up to so much she was missing in life. He shows her pleasure and feelings she never knew existed. In turn, she helps Owen see that he is worth something and that he is capable of loving someone and more importantly, being loved by someone.

Watching Owen and Chelsea fall in love was so fantastic because they truly complimented each other. Owen brought out the fun and spontaneous side of Chelsea and she made Owen want to be a better man. He has really struggled with his desire to please his mom and despite the way she treats him, Owen can’t help but continue to secretly help her and crave her love. His mom is truly a terrible person and I felt so bad for Owen that he had to deal with her. I think discovering love and true happiness with Chelsea showed Owen that he didn’t need his mom’s love and that she didn’t deserve his. I felt like Chelsea had to be the adult when it came to her mom and she was always holding her together and supporting her when her mom should have been the one being strong for Chelsea. I think this is why being with Owen excites her so much. She gets to be young and have someone else take care of her for a change. Together, these two are just so right and they really steam up the pages as well.

When I finished Four Years Later, I wanted more Owen and Chelsea. That is what Monica does with her writing. She does such amazing job of making you fall in love with the characters that you just don’t want to say goodbye. The plot flowed so smoothly that I was engrossed from the beginning to the end. I’m gonna need an “Owen and Chelsea Forever” book.

~IPOD Picks~
“Human” by Melina Carry
“Lightweight” by Demi Lovato
“Use Somebody” by Boyce Avenue


PRE-ORDER LINKS:


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


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FOUR YEARS LATER Blog Tour

February 27
Romance Addict-Review Only
Love Between the Sheets-Review Only
February 28
Starbucks N Books-Review Only
Bibliobelles-Review Only
Movies, Shows N Books-Guest Post
March 1
Tarheel Bibliobabe-Excerpt & Review
The Boyfriend Bookmark-Review Only
Cocktails & Books-Review Only
March 2
Books to Breathe-Review Only
Nose Stuck in a Book-Guest Post
Madison Says-Review Only
March 3
Anna’s Book Blog-Review Only
Lovin Los Libros-Author Interview
Give Me Books-Review Only
March 4
A Bookish Escape-Review & Excerpt
Romancing Rakes-Review Only
Waves of Fiction-Review Only
Hesperia Loves Books-Review Only
Becca the Bibliophile-Dreamcast & Review
March 5
Lustful Literature-Review Only
Reviews by Tammy & Kim-Review Only
Stuck in Books-Character Interview & Review
March 6
March 7
March 8
Roxy’s Reviews-Playlist & Review
Must Read Books Or Die-Review Only
All Romance Reviews-Review Only
March 9
Shh Moms Reading-Excerpt & Review
Stuck in YA Books-Guest Post
The Indie Express-Review Only
March 10
March 11
True Story Book Blog-Character Interview
Holly’s Red Hot Reviews-Review Only
Bound by Books-Review Only
March 12
March 13
Three Chicks & Their Books-Review Only
Book Addict Mumma-Fun & Different Idea! & Review
Naughty and Nice Book Blog-Review Only
March 14
The Book Goddess-Guest Post & Review
Wolfel’s World of Books-Character Interview & Review
Tyhada Reads-Review Only


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Blog Tour Review + Guest Post + Giveaway: The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons


Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons, hosted by Inkslinger PR, and oh man, I am so excited to be on this tour. I freaking adore Heather and this book was incredible. Check out my review and the guest post with Heater below and also enter the giveaway!

The Deep End of the Sea
Author: Heather Lyons
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Adult
Source: eARC from author via Inkslinger PR

~Synopsis~
What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.


~Review~

Wow.. just wow! When I finished this book, I was left speechless. I am such a fan of Heather’s writing and from the very beginning, this book was so hauntingly beautiful. I say that because it had this tone that just immediately melted my heart. I was instantly invested in Medusa and this other side that no one has ever explored. Legend is, she’s a murderous monster but they portrayal that Heather does is the exact opposite and I LOVED it.

Medusa has drawn the short stick and been dealt one crappy hand when it comes to life. Through no fault of her own, she is cursed to an immortal life with a reptilian body, snakes on her head and eyes that turn anyone who looks into them to stone. I can’t imagine how lonely she must have been and it was clear that killing people was devastating to her. She didn’t want to be a monster. She didn’t want to be a murderer and yet it was unavoidable at times.  She truly just wants to be a normal girl who gets to travel and have friends and fall in love. Fortunately, she isn’t completely alone. She has 2 friends that visit her on her lonely island; an elderly blind man and Hermes.

Oh Hermes. He is incredibly sweet, sexy, charming, devoted and did I say sweet? I seriously love this guy and once again the way Heather portrayed his character in a completely different way than the normal legends. His support of Medusa and the lengths he goes to help her and be with her was incredible. I was in love with him the moment that we met and I was head over heels by the end. It was so obvious how much he adored Medusa and I wanted to shake that girl for being so oblivious to his affections. At the same time, it made me so sad that she was so low in self-confidence and so jaded that she couldn’t recognize Hermes’ feelings. However, I give her credit for being brave enough to share her feelings with him when she realized she loved him. Realizing he felt the same way gave her the confidence she needed to believe in herself.

"This must be what odes were written about, infinte movies attempt to depict, books desperate to describe-- the perfect, exquisite sensation of lust and love all rolled into one."

I freaking loved the way Heather depicted the Gods in this novel. It’s so different from any legend that I was used to. Hades was wicked awesome in this book and genuinely one of my favorite characters. He’s not the “devil” everyone thinks he is. He may be the Lord of the Underworld but he is loving husband, a caring uncle and a compassionate man and the way he protects and cares for Medusa was so incredible. I also really loved Persephone and Aphrodite and how great they were with Medusa as well. On the flip side, Athena was one insane bitch and her unfair and malicious behavior towards Medusa made me want to drop kick her. Poisedon was bat-shit crazy and what he did to Medusa was so terrible and the delusions that he harbored about her was just insane. He took so much from her and she could have laid down and let him take it all but instead she chose to fight.

While Medusa and Hermes had this incredible passion and love story, this book was really all about the strength and growth of Medusa as a character. She had been through so many unbelievably terrible situations and the way she handled her situation and everything thrown at her was incredible. I was so impressed with her character development and growth in this novel. Never have I seen a character truly flourish the way she did and it was an incredible experience to be a part of. Heather’s writing made me feel like I was right there with her, encouraging her to be strong and fight for what she wanted. I felt all of her emotions as if they were my own and that isn’t something that comes easy.

"All I can think is, stars above, I am so incredibly blessed to have this man in my life."

When I finished this book, I really had to take a minute to just breathe. So many emotions filtered through my heart and soul and I was truly left speechless and in awe. It has been quite a while that a book has really affected me this way and I had to reflect hard on why. Plain and simple; Heather is an incredible author and the way she puts together words, the incredibly gripping plot she creates and the fantastic characters she develops is the number one reason. The spectrum of emotions that I felt as I read this book ranged from a tightness in my chest, to butterflies in my stomach to a lump in my throat and by the time I was done, I was emotionally raw but so, so satisfied.

~IPOD Picks~
“Say Something” by A Great Big World
“Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden
“Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson

~Guest Post with Heather Lyons~
There are lots of books out there that showcase gods such as Poseidon, Hades, and Zeus . . . but in The Deep End of the Sea, you get to know Hermes. I hope you come to love him as much as I have! Here are ten facts about the god Medusa calls her best friend, both traditional and from TDEotS.

Traditional facts

1. While most people know Hermes to be the Messenger of the Greek gods and goddesses, he was also the god of travellers, commerce, sports, thievery, and transitions in addition to ferrying souls to the Underworld.

2. In additional to all of those jobs, he was also considered the personal agent for his father, Zeus, the King of the gods.

3. Hermes’ mother was Maia, one of the Pleiades.

4. Traditionally, one of Hermes’ symbols is the caduceus, which is a staff entwined with two snakes and topped with wings. Nowadays, the caduceus is universally recognized as a medical symbol.

5. In the Homer’s Illiad, Hermes was referred to as being a “guide and guardian.”

The Deep End of the Sea facts

6. In The Deep End of the Sea, he often serves as Medusa’s guardian (see: Homer) as well as manages to steal her heart (see: thievery), although she’d probably argue that she stole his.

7. Medusa often muses that Hermes has a bit of a knight in shining armor complex. He is always fighting to right wrongs.

8. Hermes is fiercely loyal to those he loves and values.

9. His favorite sister is Aphrodite

10. His favorite shoes are Vans. They may or may not sprout wings when nobody is looking.


PURCHASE LINKS:

About Heather Lyons:
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:




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Saturday, January 25, 2014

Chelsea & Jessica Get Brazen! Review & Discussion~ Tempting the Player by J. Lynn


Hi everyone! It's Chelsea from Starbucks & Books Obession and Jessica from Lovin' Los Libros! This week we're getting Brazen with Tempting the Player by Jennifer Armentrout, writing as J. Lynn. This is one of my favorite books of all time and when Jess was looking for another good Brazen to read, I immediately said this one. She loved it as much as I did and a new discussion was born. While she was reading it for the first time, I HAD to do a re-read ;-). Check out our discussion and reviews below and see who we would dream cast as Chad and Bridget.


Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.


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Chelsea: Chad Gamble is a sexy pro baseball player. If you were to date an athlete, what sport would you want him to play? I have to admit that I really find soccer players sexy. I have an attraction to skinny guys, LOL. What about you?

Jessica: Hmm. I think I would have to say baseball actually. I’ve always been attracted to baseball players!

Chad and Bridget have some pretty sexy scenes and not many take place in the bedroom. Would you rather get dirty in the dressing room or the janitor’s closet?

Chelsea: Oh that’s a tough one. Both places are equally thrilling. I’d have to go with Janitor’s closet because I’m gonna need the extra privacy. What do you think Jess?

Jessica: Haha, dressing room. I don’t think I’d be able to get down and dirty in a janitor’s closet with all those cleaning supplies! LOL.

While the sexy scenes are lots of fun, If you were to pick one non-sexy scene, which would be your favorite?

Chelsea: I have to say that I love scene at the restaurant where Chad and Bridget meet again. I loved how much Chad teased Bridget, knowing that it was making her uncomfortable. Their interactions together really made me laugh. What would you pick?

Jessica: Oh boy. I really love the scene where Chad goes over to spend Christmas with Bridget. It’s beyond sweet and super sexy at the same time!

Chelsea: Yes! Definitely one of my favorite scenes as well!

What did you think of the plot? Do you like the whole “fake” dating aspect?

Chelsea: Fake dating that turns into real romance is one of my favorite plot concepts so I adored that in this book. I also really loved the character interactions and the chemistry between Bridget and Chad.

Jessica: I loved the plot! I am also a huge fan of the faking dating trope! Sure, I was a bit frustrated by Bridget and Chad’s constant back and forth with one another, but once they got their shit together- it was well worth the wait.

And there you have it folks! Check out who we'd cast for Bridget and Chad below.


Bridget Rodgers (Sara Rue)

Chad Gamble (Chris Pine)



My oh my, I can't get enough of Chad Gamble. I absolutely LOVE this book and I have read it at least 4 times in the last year since I discovered it. Interestingly, I have never reviewed it before. There is something about this book that I just never get sick of. Maybe it's JLA's incredible writing style or the fun fake relationship plot. It could be Chad Gamble's sexy dominance or Bridget's feisty attitude. When it comes down to it, I'm gonna have to go with all of the above.

Chad Gamble is a pro baseball player and one of the hottest men in D.C. He is also a ladies man and constantly on the front of gossip magazines for his philandering ways. He meets Bridget at a club and he is immediately taken by her. She is definitely different from the normal women he goes after with her red hair and her sexy curves. Not only is he attracted to her physically but he finds himself attracted to her emotionally, something that Chad doesn't do. Bridget is definitely into Chad, who wouldn't be, but she is also a bit insecure when it comes to her looks. She is a beautiful woman but she doesn't have the blond hair and model body that Chad normally goes for. She definitely lets those insecurities get in the way of possibly building something really great with Chad.

I absolutely loved the plot in this book. I'm a huge fan of "fake" relationships that turn into something real. I like watching the characters inadvertently fall in love. Chad and Bridget have real chemistry and real attraction so when they are forced to have a pretend relationship to save Chad's career, sparks are flying all over the place. I felt like Bridget brought out the best in Chad and you get to see the REAL him when they are together. His parents had a very difficult marriage and that plays a huge role in why Chad doesn't want to do a relationship. I think Bridget helps him see that with the right woman, it can be really great. I also think Chad opens Bridget up a bit too. She holds her emotions tight to her chest and it takes a lot to let someone in.

Holy hotness, these two have some VERY steamy moments together and this book gets me to blush a little each time I read it. They have a lot of sexy moments and let's just say they don't spend a ton of time in the bedroom either. Not only did I enjoy the sexual chemistry between them but they had a lot of word banter that was fun and engaging. Chad does some really sweet and amazing things for Bridget and I liked seeing that side of him. There's not much more I can say except GO READ THIS BOOK! I know I'll be pulling it out again one of these days.





It's no secret I am a huge JLA/J.Lynn fangirl. The woman is just freaking incredible. Whether it's writing YA, NA, or Adult- I can pretty much guarantee I'm going to love whatever she writes. I actually bought Tempting The Player quite some time ago, but never got around to it until recently! I'm so glad I decided to read it!
 
As I said above, I love the fake dating trope. It's so much fun to watch two characters start off pretending and then slowly realize there's something more between them. It's even more humorous here, as Bridget and Chad have already met each other and had some sexy times together before embarking on a fake relationship.
 
I really liked Chad's character. Number one- he's a baseball player and I do have a thing for them!  Number two, he's been made out to be this big player (which he is, but is actually not as big of a one as the world thinks). Chad definitely likes and appreciates women and ends up getting himself into a bit of a pickle. His career as a ballplayer is in real danger if he doesn't simmer down and start acting more responsible and staying out of the tabloids. He now has a publicist in charge of toning down his reputation and while she is a mixture of crazy and brilliant, she does not take crap and gets the job done. Where Chad is confident and oozes sexuality, Bridget is quite the opposite. While confident, we do see her insecurities come into play a few times during the novel.
 
I really liked her as our female lead. She is curvy, dresses a bit differently, and really holds her own in this book. I like that J.Lynn created a heroine that dared to be unique. The minute Chad lays eyes on her he knows she's going home with him and no one else.
 
As the two get swept up in a fake romance, the lines of course begin to blur between them. Chad is upset with Bridget for a while after she left him high and dry at his apartment due to her insecurities. To save Chad's career, his publicist Miss Gore must do whatever necessary to salvage his image (and her own job!) After Chad and Bridget are caught kissing publicly, Bridget becomes Miss Gore's target of opportunity. Bridget is NOT happy about the development, but reluctantly goes along with it.
 
We caught a glimpse of these two's serious chemistry early on in the novel, so we know that they are going to have a hell of a time keeping things strictly platonic between them. They definitely do the back and forth dance with one another and while it was mostly hesitation on Bridget's end, I was ready to scream in frustration at these two to quit being ridiculous and just GO FOR IT already!
 
Watching Chad break down Bridget's defenses and realize that maybe he does want someone in his life after all is definitely my favorite part of the book. I also liked seeing the small interactions with his brothers Chad and Chandler- I am definitely excited to go back and read Tempting The Best Man


Overall, if you are a fan of J.Lynn's work, I think you'll really enjoy this one! Sexy, steamy, fun- Tempting The Player will definitely leave you satisfied and happy!


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Thanks for joining us for another Brazen feature this week! Come back next week as we talk Tessa Bailey and discuss Protecting What's His.