Showing posts with label New Adult Novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Adult Novel. Show all posts

Thursday, September 26, 2013

One Last Dance by Angela Stephens

 
Sophie had gotten used to the idea that she would never be able to dance again. She used to be a professional dancer, but after an accident that messed up her left knee, she is now just a dance teacher, stationed in New York.

She is still around dance, even if she can't partake in it.

When she is asked by a handsome man to dance one night at her dance studio, she was very tempted, but knew her knee would give out. Then, Henry says he will pay her more than what she charges for a private dance lesson.

Sophie couldn't turn down that kind of offer, and finds herself wrapped about Henry. Not only in dancing (which she found she is so focused on Henry, she can dance a whole tango set without even thinking about her knee) but she is also be wrapped about Henry as a person, a female. She is starting to fall for him hard, but he is keeping things from her.

Because Henry is keeping secrets, Sophie is finding out a lot about Henry from other people around them, and the news media since Henry is rich and owns his own company.

With the roller coaster ride their relationship is going through, Sophie is unsure if she can be with Henry, even though she is alive again in his arms. Will they be able to open up to one another and trust each other completely, or will Henry be Sophie's last dance? Read One Last Dance by Angela Stephens to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
I got an email in August from the author asking if I wanted to read her upcoming novel and review about it. Of course, I jumped on that wagon and got it the next day, then proceeded to read this book the same day I got it.

I really liked this novel. It's definitely more adult than YA or NA, and I was worried about it being about dancing because I don't have any idea about dance topics.

However, Stephens wrote this novel so well that I felt like I was dancing with Henry! And that is a great talent, since I don't dance ever!

I can relate to Sophie, unfortunately. My injury wasn't nearly as bad as hers was, but it still makes it hard to go for a jog every once in awhile, so I understand what she is going through when she goes to work everyday and not able to enjoy what she loves the most.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story! I flew through it and loved every minute of it. If you enjoy dancing or a contemporary romantic story, this would definitely be something that you would be interested in reading. And it is not available on Amazon to purchase, so go grab it now! Here is the link.

I cannot wait for the next novel from Angela Stephens and will be keeping my eyes out for it :) Thank you again, Angela, for sending me an eARC of it so far in advance!

Friday, May 10, 2013

Holding On by Emma Hart

This is #1.5 novel in the Memories series by Emma Hart.

My review of #1: Never Forget.

WARNING - This review will contain spoilers from the first novel! Continue reading with caution!

Alec
After Alec betrayed Lexy by keep the secret of her grandmother's illness, he was finally able to gain her trust back. And because Alec got a taste of what it was like without Lexy in his life, he has decided to move to London where Lexy is going to school so he won't be away from her 3 hours away.

But he has a lot to learn in London. He's not a city boy, but he will do whatever it takes to be with Lexy, the girl of his dreams and the one he is so in love with he could never look at another girl again.

Lexy
Lexy knows what Alec has sacrificed to come to London with her. It's a big adjustment and he is doing wonderful, but the city is a harsh, hard life. And an old friend/wanna be boyfriend, Adrian, finds out that she is dating seriously with Alec.

And Adrian is not taking it well that he never got a chance with Lexy, but she gave her heart to someone else. A "country bumpkin". And Adrian is looking for some revenge. Will Lexy have to let Alec go so he won't get hurt in London?

Jen
Jen is excited for the city life in London. Being stuck in a small town is alright, but her passion is to draw and the university in London is the best for drawing. It's been her life time goal and it's finally happening, but she is feeling homesick and missing her boyfriend of 2 years, Carl, who refuses to come to the city.

If Carl can't even make the effort to see Jen at school, will their relationship last? Or will it be time to let the small town go and become another person in the city crowd? And she also has the dilemma about being attracted to Lexy's older brother Bing...

Bing
Bing is glad to be back in London. Now he can hook up with random girls and live his normal life. Yeah, that involves dodging her sister's ex-friend Jayma, but that's okay.

What's not alright is his attraction to Jen, Lexy's best friend. Because Jen is taken by Carl. And even if she wasn't, she is loud, obnoxious, sarcastic, and witty. Which are 4 reasons he loves being around her. Of course he would want the one woman he couldn't have...

All four are about to face the object they most desire. Can the survive their encounters, or will it blow up in their face and leave them with a broken heart? Read Holding On by Emma Hart to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

Yay! I was very interested in Bing and Jen the moment they were in the same room during Never Forget and boy did we get to see the two of them a lot in this very short novel!

Oh, and yeah, Lexy and Alec were in here as well :) I thought this was a good novel for them to finally figure things out between the two of them. And yeah, I'm still a bigger fan for Alec than Lexy, though she wasn't AS bad in this novel as the first.

But Bing and Jen! As you can tell, I'm a fan of their's and I was very content with the limited scenes we were given in this novella. The comments that come flying out of both of their mouths crack me up. I don't know the last book that made me laugh so much as those two flying insults back and forth between one another.

Even though this book was very short, I really, really liked it. I think I even liked it more than the first novel in this series. But I think I'm going to love the next one even more because it's about Bing and Jen :D

Okay, yes, I really I have an addiction. So sue me, haha.

I most definitely loved this novel and would recommend it to other New Adult readers. I would suggest, though, that if you read this that you might want to read the first one first. It will definitely explain Lexy and Alec's history to help the reader understand the trust issues.

And the best part?!? I have the third book already! I won it in a giveaway from Emma Hart, so I get to read it a few days before it's release. Sweet, baby Jesus, I'm gonna read about the two most hilarious characters I've read in a long time, so off I go!

Everyone should definitely read Emma Hart's novels. They are fantastic!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Never Forget by Emma Hart

This is the first novel in the Memories series by Emma Hart.

The summer before Lexy goes off to college is not the time she wants to go to the small town of Devon where her grandmother lives. She wants to party with her friends in London and enjoy the last few months before she is off to school again.

But her parents forced her to go with them and now Lexy is stuck in this small town until term begins.

However, Lexy has always had a soft spot for Grammy and she is having a good time being with her again. It also doesn't hurt that she has reconnected with her friend from Devon, Jen, and her crew of friends. Suddenly, the summer doesn't seem so bad after all.

Though she does have to put up with the town player and bad boy, Alec, who is best friends with Jen's boyfriend, Carl.

The connection between Lexy and Alec is undeniable, but Lexy sure does resist for quite some time. She is a relationship kind of girl, not a summer fling or one night stand that Alec is used to having.

But Alec may just be changing his style of dating. Because he really likes Lexy. Sure, she's sexy and he can't get her out of his head, but she's also funny, smart, and gives back the crap that he gives her.

So Lexy might not be the summer fling he first thought of. She might just be his forever.

But when a secret comes out and Lexy finds out, everything might change between the two. Because this secret will change her whole life, and the way she sees Alec.

Can they get past the betrayal, or will it be too much to go back? Read Never Forget by Emma Hart to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I got this book on Amazon for $0.99 and was so glad I got it! I loved it and really enjoyed the differences from one culture to another.

One of my favorite things is the language differences. There aren't many, but sometimes one of the characters would day a term that I didn't know or have only heard it from a tv show and would smile to myself.

I really liked Alec in this story more than Lexy. Lexy was kind of a whinny person to me, to be honest. She kept making excuses for why she shouldn't be with Alec - reasons that might have made sense if she wasn't so attracted to him and thought about him all of the time.

But Alec knew what he wanted and he was insistent upon getting what he wanted, which I like in the main guy. He also knew it would take time and work to get Lexy because of his past, but he was more than willing to work as hard as he needed to.

And I loved, ADORED, Grammy. She made me laugh out loud more times than I could count, she was so hilarious. And Jen and Bing were also pretty comical as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I'm finding out that I am a big fan of Hart's and want to read all of her books that's she written previously, so it will be a goal of mine that I'm determined to accomplish.

I'm also really excited cause I get to read the next two books right away! :)

I would definitely recommend this novel to New Adult lovers out there and it's for a great price! Hart is on my "to watch" list for her future novels!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Anything But Ordinary by Lara Avery

When Bryce wakes up in the hospital, she knows that she was in a diving accident. It feels like it might have been a few days since she hurt her head in the pool, but she comes to find out that it was 5 YEARS!

Her little sister is now 17 years old. Bryce herself is now 22 years old. She missed her high school graduation, she missed going to the Olympics and getting gold medals. She missed going to college and graduating with her Bachelor's Degree.

She missed a lot of things.

And worse? Her boyfriend Greg and her best friend Gabby are now engaged to be married.

Everyone moved on without her. They continued her lives while she was in a coma for five years.

Everyone was surprised when she woke up. Because her injuries should have made Bryce be a coma forever.

Now Bryce is doing the unthinkable. She is walking, talking, and functioning after a few mishaps. She wants to get her life back in track again. And she has the help of Carter, the med student who has been watching over her for five years.

Carter has become her crutch, someone she can talk to because she can't talk to anyone else. Everyone else has either moved on or is expecting her to be the same Bryce she was five years ago.

But Carter just listens to Bryce and is there for her.

Things get really weird, though, when Bryce keeps having visions. But the visions aren't always about Bryce. Sometimes she has visions about other people. Things that have happened sometime during the last five years. Things that Bryce should have no way of knowing what happened because she was in a coma.

Somehow she does know. And this gift does not come without a price.

Just when things are starting to get better for Bryce, she gets another shock. Can Bryce survive this surprise, or will it be too much for her after everything she's been through? Read Anything But Ordinary by Lara Avery to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
This was a very intriguing book. I was first sucked in when I read the summary, and it only got better when I started reading the novel.

I really liked the topic of diving and going to the Olympics. I found it refreshing and something I haven't read a thousand times in a YA novel. And Bryce knew that she was good; she wanted to win at least one gold medal, if not two by the time she was 22.

The idea of waking up after 5 years of being in a coma is scary. To wake up and realize that not only is she supposed to be graduated from college, but she is legal to drink and gamble? That is a bit much to process for anyone.

I think Bryce did a great job adjusting though. And the recovery she did! For being in one position for 5 years, she was able to start walking and moving around like normal in a remarkable time span!

I really liked Carter. He was always there for her and never asked questions. He looked after her and wanted to protect her. Even though he has seen her for five years, he never made assumptions about her after she woke up.

And the ending. It's gut wrenching. So bittersweet. I'm almost  unsure if I actually liked this book when I think about it as a whole. I mean, I do like this book and there is a great message in this novel, but at the same time... Very sad and heart breaking. I almost want another novel but in Carter's viewpoint to see what happens after the ending scene.

Overall, really, really enjoyed this book! Did not see a few things and other things were very obvious. I would definitely recommend this to other readers because there is a lot of different topics in here that could appeal to a variety of readers!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines

This is the first book in the Perfection series by Abbi Glines.

When Woods sees Della at the gas station, not understanding how to put gas in her vehicle, he knew that he was going to have a one night stand with her and would remember every minute.

He just didn't know that she would stay in his mind for months afterward. Nor did he think that he would imagine being with Della when he was with his future fiance, Angelina.

And the one thing he did not see coming is Della coming crashing into his personal life. Because now that she has come back into his life a second time, he's not sure if he will be able to let her walk away again.

A one night stand was not on Della's to do list, but she is just starting to get out in the world, so she supposes that it's okay. Besides, she has other things on her mind; like where her next place of sleeping will be. Or where she is going to be able to get the money to find somewhere to sleep.

But when things go wrong at her current stay in Dallas and she needs to leave fast, one of her co-workers sends her to his condo in Florida. Tripp just wants to make sure that she is safe and is near his friends because he knows that they will take care of her if she needs it.

Trouble comes, though, when Della realizes that she is back at the place where she had the best one night stand of her life. And then she finds out that he is going to be her new boss at the country golf course.

Yep, things are about to get interesting. Because once she sees Woods, everything from that one night comes rushing back to her. And boy, was that one of the best nights of her life.

However, she finds out that he is about to be engaged. After the last encounter she has, Della knows not to get in that situation.

And Della has her own problems to deal with. Because when certain things are said or done, an attack is triggered. And Della is transported to the days where she was locked inside with yelling and confusion. To the days where she needs to get past, because she will not turn into her mother.

The connection between Della and Woods is too hard to ignore, but if Woods doesn't do what his father insists, everything Woods has worked for his whole life will go up into smoke. Now, though, Woods is wondering what exactly he wants in life. Maybe it's Della. But first, he will have to figure out his life and get past the walls Della has put up. And Della has to figure out how to escape her dark past.

Can things work out between Della and Woods, or will they forever be trapped in their own personal hells? Read Twisted Perfection by Abbi Glines to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I've pretty much decided that anything by Abbi Glines is a must read and buy no matter how much it costs because it will be awesome. This book was well worth the wait and the money I spent from the minute I clicked on the available link to buy on Amazon!

I got this and finished it in 3 hours. I didn't take any breaks and I flew through this novel, loving every minute of it!

I've got to say, this is a very dark and edgy book. The situation that Della went through makes my skin crawl. I could never imagine going through that. She may think she is crazy, or will be, but I think Della is very strong and amazing.

This book is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of sexual scenes in here, very descriptive. A lot of language and it really suited for older readers. But it is very emotional and very heart wrenching.

All in all. For older readers, this is an amazing book! I would most definitely recommend it to other NA lovers out there and for any Abbi Glines fans this is a must read!

And Woods. Oh, Woods. What to say about him. He is definitely different than what we were introduced to during the "Too Far" series, but that's what I like about point of view novels. We got Blaire and Rush's thoughts about him in their books, but Woods is definitely a lot different than what they perceived him to be. And honestly? I really liked Woods. He was always trying to make everyone else happy, but realized that he wasn't happy with his life. The struggles he had really showed how much he wanted to change, and what he really wanted in life.

And the ending! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next novel! I had an idea what might happen with Della and Woods, but this ending brings all kinds of possibilities!

Amazing novel! So glad I got it when it was released and finished it! Now I just have to wait until the next one :-/ I would most definitely tell other older readers to read this and hope that everyone enjoys it as much as I did!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Love Game by Emma Hart

This is the first book in The Game series by Emma Hart.

The game started at a house party. Maddie's friends, Kay, Megan, and Lila, wanted to give playboy Braden a taste of his own medicine: play the player. And Maddie is the nominated person to play him. She has one month to make Braden want to be her boyfriend, profess his love to her, and then she can hump and dump him.

At the same party, Braden's friends Aston and Ryan made a similar bet. They bet that Braden couldn't get Maddie to fall in love with him and sleep with her. He had one month to prove to them that he could get any girl to fall in love with him, even Maddie.

So now the game begins for both Maddie and Braden. They are confident they can get the other to fall for them.

But what they didn't count on was starting to like each other. They both need to keep reminding themselves that it's just a game, and after one month life can go back to normal.

And Maddie has one more incentive to keep herself away from Braden: her brother Pearce. She wants nothing to do with guys that remind her of her brother, and Maddie's first impression of Braden reminds her of Pearce.

However, after getting to know him better, she realizes he's not like Pearce. And that is a bad realization because now she has less motivation of staying away from Braden.

When Braden and Maddie find out that they have been played by the other, though, the feelings that they started to get might vanish. Because how can they believe the other person if they say the love them if they were just playing a game with their friends?

Can Maddie and Braden shrug off the betrayal they feel about the games, or will their "relationship" end when they find out the truth? Read The Love Game by Emma Hart to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I saw this on Amazon for $0.99 and after reading the blurb, had to buy it because it sounded amazing. And it was! So glad I bought this! I have now fallen in love with this author and bought two more of her books for $0.99! :)

I really liked Maddie. She has a dark past and it has come to haunt her in California. She just wants to get through school and keep her nose out of trouble, but her friends decide to spice up her life with this challenge to get Braden to fall in love with her.

And throughout the whole game, she has to keep reminding herself that she can't like Braden. Also, she really makes him work for the little things - like her phone number. It was very funny that a guy like Braden, who could get any girl on campus in his bed, had to fight like crazy just to get Maddie's number.

Like I said, I liked Maddie a lot!

And Braden knew that getting Maddie to fall in love with him would be a challenge. She's not like other girls on campus and he might actually need a whole month to achieve his goal, but he had no doubt that he would succeed.

The premise of this book was great. Both characters were trying to fool the other in a game. And funnily enough, the friends of Braden and Maddie had no idea they were challenging their friends at the same time to do the same thing. It wasn't a set up, just a very big coincidence.

Like I said, I really, really liked this novel and cannot wait to read about the next two characters in the sequel (I'm hoping it's Megan and Aston's story!!).

I will also be playing catch up to read her other novels that have already been published! For anyone who likes New Adult, this is a must read! And the price is amazing for an eBook, so I would definitely recommend it to readers!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Broken at Love by Lyla Payne

This is the first novel in the Whitman University series by Lyla Payne.

After Quinn messed up his knee, his goals and dreams of being a professional tennis player went out the window. And not to mention his Russian tennis playing girlfriend as well. She dumped him the day he found out he couldn't play tennis anymore.

So now he off at college. At first it was just to party, but now he wants to get a degree and try to prove to his father that he can take over his company one day. Unfortunately, his father has never given Quinn the time of day to listen to him, let alone think that he could run his 500 fortune company.

During the tennis world cup matches, him and his step-brother devised a game. Well, really, Sebastian created it because he is blackmailing Quinn with pictures he got when Quinn was in a bad stage.

For every game, Quinn would have to get a girl to fall in love with him, and then dump her before the next game. While Quinn may have been enjoying the benefits, he was getting bored with the same routine and the same girls.

But then Sebastian picked Emilie, and she is definitely not an easy girl to ensnare in his game. In fact, Emilie wants nothing to do with Quinn and knows that he is a man-whore since he just dumped one of her sorority sisters recently.

And even though Emilie knows this about Quinn, she slowly lets him in. Especially because he understands her paintings, which not many do. Including her parents, who say if she doesn't go to school for pre-med or pre-law, they will take away her funds and she won't be able to stay in college.

Even though both Emilie and Quinn are starting to fall for one another, they still have dark pasts that might get in the way of their relationship.

And when Emilie finds out that Quinn did the same routine to other women, she wonders if anything that happened between them was real, or if it was just a game to win over a girl. Because Quinn won Emilie' heart, but he might lose her with the game he is playing.

Will Quinn and Emilie be able to overcome their dark pasts and be together, or is it too late? Can Emilie forgive Quinn for playing her, or was Quinn just playing a game all along? Read Broken at Love by Lyla Payne to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I've been wanting to read this book for awhile and finally just paid the $3.99 price on Amazon because I was too impatient to wait and see if it would lower. And so glad that I did!

Quinn was in a bad place with his step-brother, which makes more sense for why he did what he did with all of the girls during the tennis matches. But he never expected to fall in love with one of the girls he had to make fall in love with him.

And I adored Emilie. She tried to fight off her attraction to Quinn knowing that he is a player and breaks hearts. But they had a lot in common and she found out that he is not as cocky as he plays.

I really liked about this book that Emilie fought for Quinn and not the other way around. It's nice to see the female character go after what she wants instead of pinning away for the guy that broke her heart. Granted, I really like seeing the guy go after the girl, but I also like the girl going after the guy.

So while I did like this book, I also thought there were some flaws. There were times that I just didn't feel like finishing it, which is never a good thing.

But overall, I'm glad I gave in and bought it. It looks like it's the first of a series - I wonder who the second book will be about? I may end up having to buy it as well just to see what Payne writes about next!

For anyone wanting a different scenario in a New Adult novel, I would definitely recommend this book!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Faster We Burn by Chelsea M. Cameron

This is the second novel in the Fall and Rise series by Chelsea M. Cameron.

My review of #1: Deeper We Fall

*I received this as an eARC by the author in exchange for a review.*

After being abused by Zach, Katie realized that people are not who they seem or act sometimes. Which is definitely true for Stryker, the bleached hair, lip and eyebrow pierced friend in Katie's circle.

Katie knew she didn't want to be in a relationship, but a friend's with benefit arrangement never hurt anyone. And that's what Stryker was for her. Whenever she wanted sex, he was more than happy to oblige.

But there was something about Stryker that got under her skin. It was just him and his sister Trish. No other family. He had a really dark past that he didn't want to talk about, so Katie didn't mention it. But she did invite Stryker to her home for Thanksgiving.

That turned into a disaster, though, when her mother insulted him and didn't like him based on his appearance.

Stryker knew that he and Katie weren't meant for each other, but that didn't stop him from wanting to protect her when she needed it. Going to her family's house for the holidays was also a bad idea, but he wasn't known for his smarts.

And he did try to stay away from her, but there is an undeniable attraction between the two of them. Even more than just the physical attraction they give into. They can easily talk to each other and have similar tastes in things.

When a close family member of Katie's dies, Stryker is put in the middle of Katie's life, and he does so with ease. Which scares the living daylights out of him, because it's always just been him and Trish - no one else.

Just when he realized how much he truly cares about Katie, he does another stupid thing to ruin a good thing in his life.

Can he make it right with Katie, or will it be too many strikes against Stryker? And will Katie figure out what she wants in life, or will she just keep floating through, hoping that the answer will come to her? Read Faster We Burn by Chelsea M. Cameron to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I was so excited to get this book as an eARC from the author! I really enjoyed the first book and was curious to see how Katie and Stryker got together. A hookup relationship was not what I was expecting, given that Katie was in a serious relationship with Zach during the first novel!

And I love how Cameron wrote Stryker. Yes, he has bleached hair and a lip and eyebrow piercing. Yes, he has tattoos. No, he's not a jerk. He is just trying to live his life with little complications. Well, that was before he met Katie, the pink tornado that came into his life.

Katie is a mess after everything that happened, so she just wanted a release from life and the horrors of what she went through, which I completely understand. And Stryker was willing to be used - had no problem with that. But when real feelings came into the picture, both of them were scared to death.

One thing that I do have to say is how often they missed classes. It was A LOT! I'm  surprised they still had decent grades with how much they missed!

Overall, I really liked this book. I'm not sure if I like the first one more or less, but it's always difficult to compare sequels when it is about different characters.

I also really appreciate how Katie dealt with Stryker and his "bad decisions". She wasn't like most girls who felt betrayed and didn't speak to the guy for so many weeks and then miraculously forgave him afterward because she missed him. No, Katie took 1 minute to think it over and then said, "screw it", it was a mistake and made sure that Stryker was okay.

That takes some dedication and instant forgiveness in my book.

This book will be released April 20, 2013, so just a few more days before everyone can purchase this eBook! If you love New Adult novels or Cameron's other novels, this is a must buy! Definitely a different route she took in the NA genre, and lots of events that take place in this one novel! So glad I got an eARC (Thanks again Chelsea!) and can't wait to see what else she will write in the future!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Deeper We Fall by Chelsea M. Cameron

This is the first novel in the Fall and Rise series by Chelsea M. Cameron.

Going to college is a fresh start for Charlotte "Lottie" Anders. She went to the same college as her twin
brother, Will, and doesn't know a lot of the students there, so she can start over.

Except her past is coming back to haunt her. Namely, the Parker brothers, Zack and Zan.

They are both responsible for Lottie's best friend, Lexie, getting into a car accident two years ago and made her forget everything, even her best friend. Now, Lexie will never be able to go to college, fall in love again, get a job. She will just be a little girl in mindset.

So when Lottie realizes that the two people she hates the most in the world is at the same college as her, and even living in the same dorm building as her, she was extremely mad at life.

And even worse? Lottie's new roommate, Katie, is dating Zach, the worst of the Brother's of Doom. Zach has always given Lottie the creeps rather than had her panting after him. But the opposite could be said about how Lottie feels about Zan. Even though he was the one who was driving when the car accident happened.

With the help of her brother, Simon (Will's roommate and friend), and her new coworker, Trish, Lottie has been able to somewhat avoid seeing Zan.

But only for a little bit. Lottie realized that she's always thinking about him, wondering what he is doing and what he does when they aren't in the same room. But how can she have feelings for Zan knowing what he did?

Zan has had a crush on Lottie since he first saw her in grade school. Just when he decides to finally talk to her, he ruins her life and the life of her best friend. Now he's just watching from afar, wondering "what if" and wishing that he was a different person.

And even though Zan knows Lottie hates him, he still finds ways to talk to her and be around her. Even though it's wrong, Zan is always wishing that things were different between the two of them.

Secrets come out and friends get hurt. Can Zan and Lottie ever be together, or is their past too strong to overcome? How can they possibly find common ground if, when they look at each other, the past is staring them straight in the face? Read Deeper We Fall by Chelsea M. Cameron to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I've read this book twice now, and definitely loved it both times! I think what I loved the most was Zan's point of view. He knew that he could never have Lottie, but that didn't change his feelings toward her or what he wished could happen.

Zan is really quiet, so I'm glad Cameron wrote in his perspective as well. Then the reader got to see what he was thinking, not necessarily what he was saying out loud.

And the inner struggle Zan had was agonizing. He had this secret that two people knew, and not the people he wanted to know. Plus, he had to live with Zack, be related to him. That in itself is torture. Zack is a jerk and definitely acts like a spoiled boy who gets away with everything.

I had a little bit more trouble with liking Lottie than Zan. Yes, she was going through her own inner struggle on dealing with Zan. Yes, he caused the accident that injured Lexie forever. But the blaming game? Not good for anyone - especially after two years. That can ruin a person's life.

I also really liked that the deep dark pasts of the characters involved the other person. It was more of a struggle to overcome because they had to deal with the past, present and sometimes the future.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I think other New Adult lovers will like this as well. I think it's a little darker than some other NA that I've read, but that's just me.

For anyone wanting an edgy, dark, but "light at the end of the tunnel" New Adult novel, I would definitely recommend picking this up!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Undeclared by Jen Frederick

This is the first novel in the Woodlands series by Jen Frederick.

*I received this as an eARC by the author in exchange for a review.*


During the four years of high school, Grace Sullivan wrote to Noah Jackson, a Marine in combat. What started out as a class assignment lead into a close relationship where Grace and Noah told each other things they never talk about to anyone else.

But when Noah left the Marines, Grace thought that she would finally meet the man that she fell in love with during the four years. However, Noah stopped communicating with her for two years.

So Grace was thrown when she saw Noah at Central College during her junior year. Even though she was excited to finally meet him, her anger came out at him for ignoring her for two years. Two years in which she expected him to call, write, or come see her.

She already had enough of her plate at school, not knowing what to major in and knowing if she didn't find something soon, her uncle would stop paying for her education. But she was too scared to go to the Fine Arts program to show them her photography. Adding Noah into the mix was going to be a lot to handle right now.

And Noah knew that he would not be in Grace's good favors. In fact, Noah knew that even though he'd been in the Marines, which is hard work, getting Grace to talk to him again would be 10 times harder than what he endured in the Marines.

But Noah has a life long goal. And Grace is the last thing on his list. He doesn't want to be her friend. He fell for her and thought of her so often during his being a Marine. He knew no one would ever be like Grace and didn't want to try to find anyone else.

So when they first see each other, things are difficult. Noah has perfected the art of covering his feelings. And Grace has no idea what Noah wants, so they try to be friends. But that doesn't work well and they finally let the other in, seeing that they both want to be in a relationship because the feelings from two years ago didn't fade. Not really.

But can Grace let Noah back in? She doesn't want to get hurt again by Noah; it took her a long time to get over Noah when she was talking to him via snail mail. How hard would it be if he broke her heart after she left him in in person?

Can they re-salvage their relationship and gain the trust back? Read Undeclared by Jen Frederick to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I LOVED this book! It is so much more than the New Adult novels that I've been reading, yet exactly the same!

One thing that I absolutely loved was that Noah was in the Marines. When he came back to go to school and see Grace, he knew he had to get himself back as a civilian and not a soldier, which took a lot of time and patience. He learned to contain his emotions and appearance, except when he was around Grace.

And even though Grace was financially stable because of her rich uncle, she had no clue where she was going in life. She couldn't even pick a major; how could she decide if she wanted to give Noah another chance?

Another thing that I loved was Bo, Noah's best friend and fellow Marine soldier. Bo didn't think Grace was good enough for Noah, and made his thoughts very clear. Bo was usually very silent, but when he wanted to say something, he made it clear what his thoughts were.

I think Frederick nailed it about being a college student. It's hard figuring out what one wants to do for the rest of their life. I remember a lot of students going to their senior year and realizing they don't want to do the career they've been majoring in for the duration of their college years. So I can completely understand Grace's struggle with career/major options.

A third thing I loved about this book was that Grace was a student worker in a library. I did that for four years and that's why I became a librarian. Reading the scenes where she was at work brought me back to those years and made me smile.

And snail mail. Who does snail mail anymore? And who would keep contacting one person whom they've never met for four years with snail mail? That alone should be given an award, because most lose the time, patience, and ambition to keep up with that!

I was lucky enough to get an eARC by Frederick after being introduced to her work via Twitter. (And thank you so much for letting me read it! So glad I didn't have to wait longer!) This eBook will be released May 1 - under a month! - and I think it will be a really big hit among New Adult book lovers. It's very edgy, but also realistic.

I would most definitely urge other NA readers to grab this book when it becomes available! And I want more by Frederick already! Her writing kept me reading into the middle of the night and I was very sad when the book had to end.

So, May 1. Just a little under 3 weeks. Mark it on your calendar and buy this eBook!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

This is the second novel in the Beautiful series by Jamie McGuire.

My review of #1: Beautiful Disaster.

When Travis Maddox was 3, his mother passed away. Before she died, she made Travis promise him three things, one being that when he found the right person, he would fight for her, no matter what.

But the Travis in college doesn't do relationships. He only has one night stands and enjoys living the bachelor way.

The minute he sees Abby Abernathy, though, everything changes. He can't get her out of his head. Not because she is a model or any of those reasons, but because of what he sees beneath the surface. He knows that Abby is not who she is pretending to be, and Travis wants to find out who she really is.

But Abby is definitely not like the other girls on campus. She wants to stay as far away from Travis as she can. Fortunately for Travis, Abby's best friend, America, is dating his cousin and roommate, Shepley, so Abby is at their place quite a bit.

When Travis goes to a fight, he makes a bet with Abby - he won't let his opponent touch him. If he succeeds, Abby will stay at his place for 1 month. If he fails, he has to go 1 month without sex.

So Abby ends up staying at Travis's place for one month and they become closer. First, Abby was just a really close friend, but he can't deny his attraction toward her. And Travis is getting bigger ideas for their future - together.

Abby and Travis's relationship is anything but easy, though. Because of Travis's jealousy and big future ideas, there are just as many times they are apart as they are together.

But when they go to Vegas to win money to get Abby's father out of debt, things hit rock bottom. Travis was only thinking about their future when he was debating about becoming a fighter, but Abby could not live that life.

And as much as Travis tried to talk to her, he might not be able to get through to her and win her back. But Abby is his life, the one that his mother told him that he needs to fight for. And Travis will do everything he can to get the One back in his life.

Will Travis and Abby always be a beautiful disaster, or can they find a way to be together, through every obstacle that comes in their path? Read Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

Technically, this is the first novel written through Travis's point of view, not the second in a sequel.

I have been waiting for this book to come out since I first heard about it! And boy, it did not disappoint! I loved reading Travis's thoughts about how he met Abby and what he thought about during all of the times he and Abby weren't together.

I wouldn't say that I liked this novel better than BD, but with equal amount of love and adoration. Both characters have captured my heart and never gave it back to me.

One thing that I absolutely loved was the scenes with Travis and Shepley. Shep knew exactly what was going on with Travis and made sure to give Travis some crap about it as often as he could.

And the scene at Travis's place when they were playing poker? Priceless!

But the one thing that I loved above everything was the epilogue. It went further in the future than BD!! We got to see what happened with Abby and Travis years down the road, rather than what we read in BD!

That was the best surprise of this book. That. Scene.

I love this book. I love this author. So of course I'm going to recommend this to anyone I talk to. I wouldn't say that one would need to read BD before WD, but it would probably be better. They could both be standalones.

LOVED it! So glad I got it! Can't wait for more by Jamie!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Losing It by Cora Carmack

This is the first novel in the Losing It series by Cora Carmack.

It is Bliss's last year of college and she is still a virgin. She doesn't want to graduate as a virgin and let's it slip to her best friend Kelsey, who decides it's time for Bliss to get rid of it.

But going to a bar and meeting a stranger wasn't working. Bliss is a control freak and this is about the furthest thing to being in control.

Just when Bliss was about to give up and go home, she sees a guy reading Shakespeare in the bar. It was attention grabbing enough that she started a conversation and found out that he was extremely attractive and Bliss wasn't over analyzing everything when she was around him.

But reality came back to her right before she lost that pesky problem she wanted gone and she ran out on him.

It would be fine to run out on the guy you were about to sleep with, knowing that you won't see him again, except that the next day at school, first day of class, she walks into her senior class and finds Garrick to be her teacher for the semester!

Now, even though the attraction between them in off the charts, she can't get together with him because of the student/teacher relationship. It's driving Bliss crazy, especially when they agree that they aren't going to be anything but professional toward one another and then end up kissing backstage!

Bliss's ability to act is about to come in handy for real life, because while she says one thing, she says and does another.

It only gets more awkward when Bliss gets the lead in the school play and finds out that Garrick will be helping the students with their parts.

And Bliss's friend Cade gets the male lead in the play, which would be amazing except Cade made a move on Bliss and she didn't return the feelings. Now things are awkward and tense between everyone Bliss cares about.

What decision will Bliss make? Will she choose a professional relationship with Garrick, or a more physical one? And will that mean the end of Garrick's job if they do become an item? Read Losing It by Cora Carmack to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I really enjoyed this novel! Sure, it's about a topic that is most definitely for older readers, but that wasn't the whole book. Well, not most of it. Really it was about Bliss learning to live a little, be less responsible and start doing things she wants to do, even if it might be against her better judgement.

There were many times that I chuckled throughout this novel. I definitely called the ending and thought it was a pretty predictable book, but it was still cute and it was still about a tough situation that both parties had to decide what they wanted to do.

I did love that Bliss was forced to really choose what she wanted, despite the consequences of her decision.

And it looks like there is going to be another novel in this series - this time about Cade's story! And from the summary, I think it will be a great story. The reader will still get a little more Bliss time since they are best friends, so that will be nice, but I'm really excited for Cade's story!

For anyone who is on a New Adult novel marathon, this would be a good book for you to read. I would say older readers should read it - not younger teens - because of the topic. However, it's not as bad as other NA novels I've read - just seems worse because of the topic.

I can't wait to read more of Carmack's novels in the future and am so excited for the next one in this series!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Tidal by Emily Snow

After getting out of rehab, Willow is going to do better and stay away from the addictive drug that she got hooked on that landed her in rehab. But that's a nice thing to say, hard thing to practice when one is a movie star.

And it really doesn't help that her agent landed her a movie gig as the leading woman actress in Hawaii. Being a movie star is one of the big reasons she started using, but not the whole reason.

However, Willow has no money in her account and needs to get some. By doing the remake of a surfer, she would have the funds to start over and keep clean.

So she goes to Hawaii and works with her surfing coach, Cooper, who is not bad on the eyes at all. But it seems that he might hate Willow on site. Willow doesn't really care because she already tried the love thing once and it went horrible.

But the attraction between Willow and Cooper cannot be denied. It's only a matter of time before they give in and have a fling during the production of the movie.

Except it's turning out to maybe be more than a fling. For both Cooper and Willow.

When a secret comes out about Coopers family, things might change. Especially since Willow also has a dark secret from her past and she wants to make it right. Which might mean that Cooper won't want to be with her after she finds out about what she did three years ago.

What are the secrets that are keeping Cooper and Willow from opening up? Will they be able to jump these hurdles, or will they be overcome by the darkness of their pasts? Read Tidal by Emily Snow to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

Goodreads recommended me this novel so I found it on Amazon for $0.99 and bought it. It was a cute novel and typical of NA novels.

It was nice to read about different occupations than the usual NA novels with the characters being a movie star and a surfing coach. It was typical because of their dark pasts so that was familiar, but overall I thought it was an okay novel.

Willow seemed like a person I probably wouldn't get along with. She was nice enough but seemed to complain a lot. Which, for what she has been through makes sense but she doesn't want anyone to know about it so she acts spoiled and selfish.

Cooper is very successful and has his own surfing business, but he still very quite about his past and observant.

Overall, this was a cute book, but it definitely wasn't my favorite. For anyone wanting another NA novel to read, I would recommend to you.

As far as I know, this is a stand alone novel and there won't be any other novels following it, but that could obviously change at any time. I'm looking forward to reading more of Emily Snow's novels, which I have a few on my Kindle waiting for me to read!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Amplified by Tara Kelly

This is the first book in the Amplified series by Tara Kelly.

When Jasmine told her father that she was taking a year off before starting college, she didn't expect to get kicked out of the house. But that's what her father did so instead of pleading and crying and begging, she packed up her stuff, put it in the car, and started to find a different place to live.

But then her car died. Thankfully, right in front of an auto shop, but she doesn't really have a lot of cash to pay for her car - not when she has to find a new place to live and an opening at a job she can work at to start getting some money.

It didn't help that the jerk who worked at the auto shop - who called himself "Clover" - was rude and kept saying she was a rich girl who could call her daddy.

After that, she looked everywhere for an apartment - some of which wanted a guitarist, which Jasmine just happened to be and that is what she wants to do with her year off before going to college.

The last place she went to check out the apartment was it for her, but there were problems. One, Jasmine is a girl and they want a guy guitarist/roommate. The three guys didn't want any drama. Two, they want a guitarist that has performed live before - Jasmine hasn't done that yet. And three, the bassist is none other than Clover - or better known as Sean.

Jasmine is fighting her way to get this place and this spot in the C-Side band, but she starts leaking lies. Sure, she's live performed before... Not.

When Jasmine gets the spot, she's excited because she finally  has a place and can start making her own life. But then they tell her they have a gig at a local bar in less than a week... Jasmine isn't ready, and it shows during her performance.

Now she is in a bad situation. Will the band kick her out because she lied and obviously can't handle the pressure of being on the stage, or will she be able to get another chance and get over the fear of performing live?

And that's not even getting into the situation she and Sean got themselves in, but it was just so hard to resist Sean's presence and the way he makes Jasmine feel.

What will happen to Jasmine? Read Amplified by Tara Kelly to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
I think this could qualify as a New Adult novel, since Jasmine is out of high school, so that's why I labeled it with the New Adult Novel. However, it's not very risque as other New Adult novels that have been recently published, so I still think Young Adults can read this and really like it.

Jasmine is a fighter. After growing up with her father always comparing her to her mother who left when Jasmine was 5 and is now in jail, she has grown a tough skin and always finds a way to fix something, even if it is getting kicked out of her house.

So she fought her way to get the spot with C-Side, even if she lied about certain things. She was good and wanted to be a part of the band because they were good as well.

So I really liked Jasmine because she didn't sit down and bawl her eyes out when things didn't go her way. She made her own way and I really appreciate when characters do that.

While I don't know anything about music, I was able to understand most of what went on through Amplified and even enjoyed reading about Jasmine playing the guitar in front of an audience. She loses herself in the music and I was able to see that while reading about her thoughts when playing. I think Kelly did a great job if she was able to allow me as an non-musician understand what was going on.

And I liked the other band members. Felix was just hilarious, Bryn was annoying, but punctual and the "mother hen", Veta was a hoot and always had  Jasmine's back, and Sean was the quiet but handsome one that kept catching Jasmine's eye.

Another thing I think might attract readers is, yes, there is a romance between Jasmine and Sean, but it doesn't end like you think it will and it's not the main part of the book. The whole point of the book is that Jasmine wants to find a place to fit in and also be able to play her music with a band. She needs a place to stay and a way to support herself to do what she needs to do for her year off of school.

And Kelly did a great job with getting all of that in this novel and making it addictive to read. I thought I wouldn't like it when I started reading and gave myself a limited amount that I needed to read before quitting. Instead, I finished this novel in one sitting!

There is another novel that will be coming out this month, so I will definitely be picking that up to read. I do think that Kelly could have ended it with this novel, but I'm excited to read more about these characters and see what happens to them throughout the next novel!

Anyone who likes music, fighting to do what they want to do, and learning how to get friends and trust others, this is definitely a book for you!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wait for You by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Avery moved from Texas to West Virginia to get away from what happened at home 5 years ago. No one at her college knows the rumors that spread like wildfire at home, and she can finally be at peace - well mostly. She doesn't trust guys and is very much a loner, but she likes it like that.

And she even made some new friends at school - something she didn't have at home after the incident. So life was going well, until she ran into the most beautiful guy she's ever seen.

Cameron Hamilton. And yes, she literally ran into him before class. That was before she ran away from him just as fast.

Only getting away from Cam isn't that easy, especially when he decides he wants to be around some more. So not only do they have the same class together, they were made partners for that class. All semester. And the best part? He's across the hall in her apartment building.

The more Avery's around Cam, the more relaxed she gets around him, which is weird because she is never relaxed around guys. And now she's doing things that she swore she wouldn't do, like to go parties or drink. Because everything relates to that one Halloween night 5 years ago. And she won't go back to that dark place.

But Avery is not the only one that is hiding a dark past. Cam also has a secret he is keeping from Avery, something he is not proud of, but would do again in a heartbeat if it happened again.

When Avery's past comes back to haunt her, she needs to make a decision. Can she confront it and retell it to Cam, who has become a huge part of her world, or will it forever haunt and terrify her to the point where she can't tell Cam, and might lost him for good? Read Wait for You by J. Lynn to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I put in the title Jennifer L. Armentrout because J. Lynn is her pen name for adult and new adult novels, and I want to make it very clear that I love this author no matter what name she uses! So, yeah, it's the same amazing writer for all of the reviews that I've done for her novels - just to make sure everyone knows that!

I loved this book. Avery is a tough cookie. She went through a horrible ordeal and came out a survivor, if not a little wounded by it.

But Cam - he's hilarious and sexy and protective. He's everything one could want in a classmate/class partner/neighbor across the hall.

So, yes, this is a lot like the other New Adult novels that have been released, but I think the author put enough new content in to make her own novel in this "new" genre.

My favorite part is the Sunday morning breakfasts. That is such a small detail in a college student's life, but the author made it a big deal and it was also the way that Avery and Cam got to relax around one another without a crowd around to make Avery nervous or self-conscious.

Oh! And Raphael! Cam's turtle! Hilarious introduction at the apartments with his turtle. Just little things like that really make this novel come to life and unique, while also having me laugh out loud while reading.

And the dark pasts for both Cam and Avery made me understand the characters even more. But what happened to Avery, after I found out, really made my jaw drop. I knew something along the lines happened, but not that!

So yes, I would recommend this novel to other New Adult readers. It's a must read and I think a lot of people will like the small things that happen between Cam and Avery!

Friday, March 1, 2013

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

This is the first novel in The Coincidence series by Jessica Sorensen.

Callie is extremely excited to go to college and get away from everyone who has made her life a living nightmare since seventh grade. She dresses gothic with black eyeliner and fingernail polish, along with baggy clothes and a bob haircut.

But when she gets to college, she is able to be herself again. She is slowly learning to trust other people, especially Seth, her best friend since she started college in the summer and so did he.

Kayden is ready to go off to college to get away from his parents. Sure, he had a great life in high school with his friends as one of the popular football players and he got a scholarship to go to college, since he father won't spend a penny for him now that he's not in his house now.

But both Callie and Kayden have a dark secret in their past. Callie found out Kayden's the last night of high school when she went to a party to find her brother, and instead saved Kayden from getting beaten by his father in the back yard. And from the looks of the scars on his chest, it didn't look like it was the first time it had happened either.

Callie's secret is only known by Seth, and he had to work his way to find out what exactly happened to her.

As it happens, Callie is the one person that saved Kayden on that night at the party, but he never got a chance to say thank you. When they bump into each other at the same college, Kayden didn't recognize Callie at first because she is wear color clothes and her hair is longer. She doesn't wear black all of the time and her clothes actually fit instead of being baggy on her.

There is no reason that Callie needs to hide at college. The nightmare is at her house and at high school.

Slowly Callie and Kayden start to become friends, though Kayden is the only boy that Callie has known where she will let him touch her without flinching too much.

When they both go back home for the holidays and face their demons, things are starting to become alright for them both. Until they have to face the person responsible for the nightmares they face every night. And something horrible is about to happen to one of them that might go far beyond where it should... Read The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen to find out what will happen to these two haunted characters.

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I've had this book for awhile on my Kindle after buying it for $0.99 on Amazon and I'm really glad I got around to it! This is a great novel and had me on my seat every chapter!

Callie, Kayden, and even Seth have dark pasts. Kaydens the reader finds out right away but Seth's and Callie's are a little harder to figure out because they don't want to talk about it, but they finally come out and say what happened to them to make them leery to trust other people.

I understood exactly what happened to Callie before it was revealed, so I was expecting how she acted around Kayden. However, her character developed so much throughout the novel and I was very happy to see her trusting other people by the middle of the novel.

And Kayden. He was always trying to impress his father, but the more he did, the madder his father got over some small, tiny detail that didn't even matter. So eventually he started to things he wanted to do, especially when he went off to college and didn't have to see his father every day to hear criticism and get punished.

But I have to say, that ending. Man! Sorensen left us hanging and yearning to find out what happens next, because that is not a way to end a novel! It was such a horrible scene and it better be resolved in the next novel, because I have to know what happens!

Both of the characters grew a lot throughout this book and I really liked it! I think other novels who love New Adult novels now would really enjoy this story and will need the sequel right away - just like I do!

So yes, I recommend this novel for older readers and I will definitely be reading this series, even if it is a little bit more charge than my usual $0.99 on Amazon for eBooks, haha!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Never Too Far by Abbi Glines

This is the second novel in the Too Far series by Abbi Glines.

My review of #1: Fallen Too Far.

WARNING - There will be spoilers from the first novel in this series. Proceed with caution after this sentence!

After Blaire found out that she has a half-sister and no one told her - not even Rush who she gave her heart to - and everything has horrible thoughts about her mother that can't be true, she leaves Florida and goes back to Alabama, where her mother and twin sister are buried  To the only home that she has ever known.

But even though Blaire has run away from the problems that have come upon her, she can't escape them. Especially when she realizes she is carrying Rush's child.

She can't trust Rush again though. The secret about her father having another daughter is too much to hide from her - she had a right to know instead of walking on Rush's family saying horrible lies about her mother and herself.

Then Blaire finds herself back in Florida, living with her closest girl friend Bethy and back working at the country club as a server. Only 4 people know her secret about the baby, but Rush isn't one of them. Which isn't stopping Rush from wanting to be with Blaire again, but Blaire is having a hard time forgetting what happened.

Rush is in over his head. He needs to protect Nannette from everything that happened, but he was a wreck when Blaire left him. Now that she's back, he won't lose her again. He will not allow it.

But trying to keep Blaire and Nan to play nice with each other isn't working. Nan won't get over what happened and is treating Blaire horribly. Soon Rush is going to have to make a decision between these two girls - the one he has protected his whole life or the love of his life who could tear his world apart.

Just when Rush might have made a decision, things fall apart when one of the women he loves gets into a boating accident and is unconscious in the hospital. Can Rush really make a decision between the two, or will he be torn into two forever?

And will Blaire ever be able to trust Rush again, or is the damage between them just too much for her to forgive and forget?

Read Never Too Far by Abbi Glines to find out what will happen with Rush and Blaire!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

Wow. I flew through this novel and still wanted more by the end of it!

This was definitely different than the first novel, but that's okay because we got to get to know Blaire and Rush better. This novel also allowed the reader to read Rush's point of view, instead of just Blaire's like the first novel, so that was a nice change to finally understand how Rush thought of Blaire and the situation.

I did think, though, that Blaire wasn't as feisty or determined as she was in the first novel. Probably because she had nothing else to go toward and didn't know what to do in her situation, but I sure did miss her 9 millimeter gun that she pulled out last novel!

This novel definitely had a lot more sex than the first, and very descriptive as well. But we got over the hurdle of first meeting one another in the first novel, so the sexual tension was just bursting through this book!

I was so anxious for this book that I paid more than $0.99 like I usually do! So glad that I did, though, because I couldn't wait any longer to find out more about Rush and Blaire :)

Originally this was supposed to be the end of their story, which I would have found disappointing. Don't get me wrong, it ended well enough but I feel like there could be so much more told about these two. They definitely won't have lives without drama - not with their messed up family tree - and it was just getting good at the end. Plus, other relationships could be salvaged and initiated if it was continued in another novel.

And Abbi Glines has decided to write a third novel in the series! Only after the readers begged and pleaded, but she stated on Facebook and Twitter that she will start writing another one for all of us! So excited to see what's in store for the world that Glines has created!

I would definitely recommend this novel, but be forewarned that there is a lot of sex and language in this novel, plus you should definitely read the first novel to keep up with what is going on. Older readers will probably be better than teens as well. I cannot wait for the next novel, and I'm so glad that I got this one right away!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Lost to You by A.L. Jackson

This is the prequel novel to Take This Regret series by A.L. Jackson.

Elizabeth has worked hard to go to college in New York after living in the same town her whole life in California. She's going into pre-law and will not let any distractions get in her way.

Christian is going into pre-law to follow in his father's practice, even though it might not be the exact thing he wants. But it's expected of him so he follows suit.

When the two meet together, a spark and connection come alive. But Elizabeth is not into a one night stand so she tells Christian they can be classmates and friends, but nothing else.

So the both of them keep to their agreement and become best friends, always hanging out and doing their homework together, getting dinner, etc.

Except that the sexual tension between the two of them is growing stronger...

And both are acting as if they are dating rather than being friends.

When one action changes things between them, they have to decide if they want the same things. Because once they cross that boundary, nothing can ever go back to what it was like as just friends.

What will happen between Christian and Elizabeth? Read Lost to You by A.L. Jackson to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I got this online from Amazon for $0.99 as an eBook because it sounded interesting and it was the prequel before the first novel in the series.

This was a short novella but I found it quite long and at times boring. The story was alright, and I really liked Elizabeth standing her ground and stating what she wants and doesn't want.

But there was a lot of thought processing for both characters and while I like to know what the characters are thinking, I also like action and the characters actually acting on what they feel, which Elizabeth and Christian didn't do that often.

So this was an okay novel, but not something that I will reread or even buy the other novels in the series. I just didn't feel it, even though there are a lot of reviews out there that state they love it. Just wasn't meant for me I guess.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read an NA novel and wants the backstory to the full length novel.

Monday, February 25, 2013

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

This is the first novel in the Drew + Fable series by Monica Murphy.

Living in a college town, Fable is able to work at a local bar and get steady tips from all of the drunk, rich students. She also has a reputation that follows her around, saying she is easy and is a slut. Fable only does what she has to in order to bring in money for her family.

Her mother drinks too much and parties with her boyfriend of the month, so Fable has to be the responsible one and take care of her 13 year old brother Owen. Which is getting harder because Owen is getting more defiant and running around with the wrong crowd.

When Drew confronted Fable outside of the bar after her shift, Fable thought it was to hook up, which she was not doing. But Drew threw her a curve ball: he wants to pay Fable to be his fake girlfriend for one week, over Thanksgiving Break.

Fable was going to say no, but when she heard it was for $3,000, she couldn't pass it up, so off to Drew's parents house she went, fake girlfriend status in tow.

Throughout the week, Fable and Drew realized that they have a lot in common. And that they are mutually attracted to one another.

But they made a deal, and in one week they would no longer have to talk to each other.

That will be hard to do though. Because the reason Drew wanted Fable at his house had to do with his father and stepmother. And now Fable is getting closer to Drew's secrets. At first he didn't want her Fable to know, but now that she's getting closer to his dark secrets, he's finding out that he might be able to trust her.

But can he fully give himself to Fable, or will Drew forever be haunted by his dark past? Can Fable find a way to get Drew to open up, or will their "relationship" be over in a week? Read One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

I gotta say, I'm glad I got this book for $0.99 and didn't wait until it was free! I really enjoyed it and flew by, even though I'm upset that there is another one and I have to wait for it!

I absolutely loved Fable. First, her name is awesome, even though she probably gets a lot of crap for it. And secondly, she is single-handedly raising her younger brother and avoiding her mother. She just needs to leave her mother and have one less ungrateful person to take care of, but that's just my opinion.

And Drew. Oh, poor Drew. I figured out what happened to him to make him want a fake girlfriend over the holidays before it was revealed, and my heart was breaking for him over and over throughout this eBook.

There was a lot of messed up topics and events in this book, but I really loved it. Fable is amazing because once she finds out, she doesn't run away yelling. Oh, no. Our Fable stays right by Drew's side and makes him realize that he is not at fault. It's only Drew that is running away, even though he doesn't want to.

The only bad part about this book was that I found out it is part of a series... And the second one isn't out yet! So I have to wait until I find out when it comes out and snatch it, because I need to know what happens. Now!

Okay, enough ranting. I really enjoyed this and I think other readers who are having a New Adult kick like I am will enjoy it as well. I would recommend it for older readers because of the topic content, but I'm really glad I got it and would recommend it to others because I enjoyed it so much!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

This is the first novel in the Too Far series by Abbi Glines.

Moving from Alabama to Florida is a big change for Blaire. She just buried her mother who she has spent the last three years taking care of when she was sick, so now she is on her own and meeting her father for the first time in 5 years.

Only, when she gets to her father, Abraham's, house, he's not there. Instead, there is a huge party in the mansion size house and Blaire finds out that she has a hot older step-brother named Rush.

And Rush has a younger sister named Nanette, who hates Blaire on sight, and a younger brother named Grant. All of whom have a different parent from Rush, making them step siblings as well.

Blaire knows she's not wanted at Rush's house when she sees the disgust on his face and the fact that he tells her to get out of his house before he throws her out. Blaire is just about to leave when he suddenly changes his mind, letting her stay in the maid's room for a month.

Blaire will take that deal - she just needs to find a job and start making some money until she can find her own place to live. She didn't want to stay there indefinitely, especially when Nanette and Rush hate Blaire so much.

Thankfully, she found a job on her first day looking at a country club selling drinks to golfers outside on the course. She even started that day, making more money from tips than she expected. By this rate, she would be out of Rush's house, and life, for good!

Which was good, because Rush is acting biopolar - one minute he's being nice and talking to her, the next he's giving her the evil eye and yelling at her.

Everything changes between them, though, when Blaire goes out with her new friend Bethy from the country club who she works with. Because Rush comes with, and things heat up between them, making Blaire realize he was acting biopolar to stay away from her. But now Blaire and Rush are together, even though their time is limited.

Things go horribly wrong when Blaire finds out about a secret about herself. A secret that everyone in this town knew, and no one decided to tell her. A secret that makes Blaire's mother an evil person, which Blaire knows she is not. And a secret that might very well rip her and Rush apart from one another.

What is the big secret? Can Rush and Blaire work through it, or is it too back-stabbing? Read Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines to find out!

My Thoughts/Reflections
Just a forewarning, this is a NEW ADULT novel, which means that it's a little bit more mature and graphic than a YA novel but not too racy like an adult novel. Mainly, New Adult (NA) novels are set in college and are about characters who are starting to grow up, but still do things that are immature.

Wow. Just wow. From the first 3 pages, I was hooked because Blaire pulled out a gun from her pick up truck when a stranger knocked on her window. I mean, a pick up truck and a gun!? So amazing!

Okay, I really really loved this book. I've heard so many good things about Abbi Glines and have been wanting desperately to read her novels, though many of the libraries I can lend from don't have them :-( So when I saw this eBook on Amazon for $0.99, I had to get it! And I'm so glad I did - she lived up to my expectations!

Blaire was a great character and I loved her so much. She was used to taking care of everyone, so when she saw a mess at Rush's, she wanted to clean up to make up for living at his place while she was working. She is so lovable and I would most definitely be her friend.

Rush tried so hard to stay away from her, but he was very territorial when other guys - his friends - started to hit on her. He was a lost cause, but he did try very hard to stay angry at her because of the secret everyone was keeping from Blaire.

When Blaire finally saw her father at the end, I wanted to cheer her on. She ripped her father a new one, yelling at him and lecturing him about the way he treated her and her mother when he just left 5 years ago. I was so proud of her, and was very emotional through the ending of this novel.

The second novel comes out at the end of this month! I'm so stoked and I will be spending whatever money I have to to get this eBook off of Amazon. I need to keep reading about Blaire and Rush - like now. But I will wait until the 26th when it comes out.

I would most definitely recommend this novel to any NA lovers out there, and I am going to try my hardest to get more of Abbi Glines novels as well. If they are going to be as great as this one, the novels will be worth every penny!

So, go get this book and wait for the second one on the edge of your seat like I am!