Tag: New Adult (Page 33 of 47)

BOOK REVIEW – Nash (Marked Men #4) by Jay Crownover

April 19, 2015 / Jen / 2 Comments

Nash (Marked Men #4)
by Jay Crownover
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Saint Ford has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming of nurse. Focused on her work and devoted to her patients, there’s no room for love. She doesn’t need a guy making waves in her calm, serene life—especially when he’s the unforgettable hottie who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember her or the terrible pain he caused. But he turned her world upside down . . . and now he’s trying to do it again.

Saint has no idea that Nash isn’t the cocky player he once was. Uncovering a devastating family secret has rocked his world, and now he’s struggling to figure out his future. He can’t be distracted by the pretty nurse he seems to meet everywhere. Still, he can’t ignore the sparks that fly between them—or how she seems so desperate to get away from him. But the funny, sweet, and drop-dead gorgeous Saint is far too amazing to give up on—especially since she’s the only thing in his life that seems to make sense.

When Nash discovers the truth about their past, he realizes he may have lost her heart before he could even fight for it. Now, Saint has to decide: is Nash worth risking herself for all over again?

Review:

It’ so easy to take pleasure in each of the Marked Men’s stories! They are fun and always have some grit to them. I don’t realize how attached I’ve become to the characters until their world falls apart beneath their feet. Here I am flipping through the pages, enjoying how the storyline is proceeding, and then BAM something happens that is so deep, so emotional, that it’s impossible not to cry or feel ripped apart. I do wish that I felt those stronger emotions throughout the rest of the book. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that I was so excited to read Nash’s story. But wow, I struggled connecting with Saint. She was just…well keep reading and you’ll see why she wasn’t my favorite.

She was beautiful, breathtaking, and she absolutely despised me. – Nash

Nash just learned that the man who truly loved and helped raise him has cancer, and it’s terminal. While dealing with Phil’s prognosis and his evil mother drama (she’s the devil btw, seriously) he is struggling to emotionally stay afloat. But through it all, Saint Ford keeps appearing in his life. Saint is not only a nurse at the hospital, but she went to high school with Nash. She was shy, chubby and had a huge crush on him. After having her heart and confidence ripped to shreds by Nash, can she really let him back in when he so desperately needs her?

“What’s right for me isn’t what’s right for you because I’m an actual human being with feelings and emotions, and you, Mom . . . you’re a goddamn monster.” – Nash

I’ve always loved Nash. Out of that crazy, dramatic group of friends, Nash was the good guy! He was the sexy, mellow, level-headed one. And being inside his head made me fall for him even harder. While I prefer bad boys, Nash and his tortured soul kept sucking me in! He was sexy, broken, hurt and jaded from his past because of his evil mother. But that didn’t affect what a beautiful person he became. Because Nash is patient, kind, loving, loyal and he MADE this book for me!

“I don’t know that you would like me once you got to know me, and the Nash I thought I knew . . .” She looked so lost all I wanted to do was give her a hug. “I hated him, but you . . . this Nash . . . all I do is want him.” – Saint

Saint isn’t the typical type of girl that I can connect with. She’s shy, quiet and struggles speaking her mind at times. And while I tried my hardest to give her a chance, she definitely tried my patience! I have a lot of leeway and understanding when it comes to characters having their hang ups and issues. We all make mistakes, I’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff over the years, and I know that I can be more forgiving than I probably should be with characters. But this girl just drove me insane at times! She would flip like a light switch and I just wanted to smack some sense into her. Especially during the couch part……that was just, wow….shocking, frustrating, maddening and CRAZY!!! Who in the world does that, really?!?! I’m still in shock! But of course there is a but! She questioned her own sanity, and I was so thankful that she wasn’t clueless to her actions. I liked how she made me laugh, how she cared for Nash and tried to have his best interests at heart. Unfortunately the positives did not outweigh her negatives.

“Why are you so certain I’m going to hurt you? That I’m going to fuck up and disappoint you?”
She gave me a lopsided smile and she worked her hands under the collar of my shirt so she could stroke the base of my neck.
“Because it’s bound to happen, but I really want to enjoy what we have before then.” – Saint

Nash’s story was adorable and frustrating. While I wish he would have had a different love interest, I still enjoyed his story. It was fun to watch another one of the guys find their way and sort out their past. I love this group of Marked Men. I love how these stories always involve their deep friendships! That we get to watch them help one other throughout each book! And that I get to continue to see Rule from time to time, gah I love him!! Now I’m off to read Rowdy’s story but I have to say that I LOVED the scenes that involved either Asa and Royal. They haven’t met yet, but they are both so intoxicating that I can’t wait for their story!!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Rule #1 Reviews: Jen	Jet #2 Reviews: Jen	Rome #3 Reviews: Jen
Nash #4 Reviews: Jen	Rowdy #5 Reviews: Jen	Asa #6 Reviews: Jen

BOOK REVIEW – Rome (Marked Men #3) by Jay Crownover

April 12, 2015 / Jen / 0 Comments

Rome (Marked Men #3)
by Jay Crownover
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sometimes the wrong choice can be just right . . .

Fun and fearless, Cora Lewis knows how to keep her tattooed "bad boy" friends at the Marked in line. But beneath all that flash and sass is a broken heart. Cora won't let herself get burned again. She's waiting to fall in love with the perfect man—a baggage-free, drama-free guy ready for commitment. Then she meets Rome Archer.

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He's stubborn, rigid, and bossy. And he's returned from his final tour of duty more than a little broken. Rome's used to filling many roles: big brother, doting son, supersoldier—but none of those fit anymore. Now he's just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the dark demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer through it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes a blinding flash of color in a sea of gray. Perfect may not be in the cards, but perfectly imperfect could just last forever . . .

Review:

There’s something about the Marked Men series that makes it so easy to slip back into their world. To re-join this group of friends and watch all of their dynamics and interactions unfold was so much fun. I have missed them! Cora and Rome were the perfect couple to drag me back into this series! Their story was adorable and fierce. They both burned bright, so when they were together their interactions were intense, sexy and heartfelt. Now I have to finish this series!

“We can go as many rounds as you want, Captain No-Fun, you don’t scare me.”
………..
He blinked his eyes at me and we had a stare-down, for a second I wasn’t sure if he was going to scoop me up or push me down. Instead he just shook his head and whispered so quietly that I thought it could have been my imagination had I not seen his lips move, “That’s good, because most of the time I’m fucking scared shitless of myself.” – Cora

Ohhh, we get to step right back into that scene, at the end of Jet and Ayden’s story, where the whole gang is having a bbq at Rule and Shaw’s new house. And Cora dumps a beer on Rome’s head. What a hilarious and perfect way for Cora and Rome’s interactions to being! You see, Rome is Rule’s older brother who is back from war. He was injured while stationed overseas and has just left the military. He is lost, grumpy and the huge looming horrible mood at all of their shindigs. Cora works at the shop with Rule and the rest of the guys. She cares for all of them deeply, but she can’t keep her mouth shut, doesn’t take crap from anyone and is protective of her friends. So when Cora stands up to Rome, it is fiery and fun! And I loved how she called him Captain No-Fun, ha! But neither of them can deny their intense chemistry, and that chemistry is about to make them embark on a journey they never thought they would!

I got used to everyone needing me, to them relying on me , and now that I wasn’t needed anymore I simply just didn’t know what to do with myself. That honestly terrified me more than any war zone or bar brawl with armed bikers ever could. – Rome

I adored Rome in Rule’s book. He was the big brother, the one who tried to help set Rule straight, helped give Shaw ‘big brother’ advice, he was everyone’s rock. And now he’s just a shell of himself. He is lost, confused, unsure of where to go and what to do with his life. My heart hurt for him. Clearly both of the Archer’s brothers have tons of baggage in common. But on top of that, he suffers from PSTD. It was beyond horrifying. I could feel him spiraling down while being suffocated from his confusion, hurt and suffering. But when Cora stepped into his life, he could finally find a tiny bit of light.

Rome was not on my agenda, he was not what I was looking for, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him and all his imperfections. That wasn’t good. – Cora

I always liked Cora in Rule and Jet’s story. She was a great friend to everyone and was always no-nonsense. She called it like it was and was someone that you knew where you stood and would have your back in the blink of an eye. In this book, I got an even clearer picture of how intense and feisty she was! And while she suffers from her own baggage from a broken engagement and refusing to settle down with anyone who is short of perfect, I loved how she tried her hardest to pull Rome out from his downward spiral. Together, they were imperfectly perfect for each other, as Shaw said.

What if he’s your imperfect Mr. Perfect? – Shaw

So while I still love Rule and Shaw’s book the most so far, Rome and Cora’s story was charming and enjoyable. While I guessed how some events played out, I never would have guessed how hard one of them impacted me. That I would be trying my hardest not to bawl my eyes out. That I would be biting my lip so hard in hopes that I would get my chin to stop quivering. Wow, those last few chapters blew me away! Now I can’t wait to finish the rest of the Marked Men’s stories!

P.S. I love how we get to watch the female friendships and male friendships take place. They felt real, heartfelt and I loved how they weren’t filled in drama and betrayal. They were just honest to goodness close friends.

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Rule #1 Reviews: Jen	Jet #2 Reviews: Jen	Rome #3 Reviews: Jen
Nash #4 Reviews: Jen	Rowdy #5 Reviews: Jen	Asa #6 Reviews: Jen

Book Review – Right Kind of Wrong (Finding Fate #3) by Chelsea Fine

April 4, 2015 / Jen / 2 Comments

Right Kind of Wrong (Finding Fate #3)
by Chelsea Fine
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sometimes wrong can feel oh so right . . .

Jenna Lacombe needs complete control, whether it's in the streets . . . or between the sheets. So when she sets out on a solo road trip to visit her family in New Orleans, she's beyond annoyed that the infuriatingly sexy Jack Oliver wants to hitch a ride with her. Ever since they shared a wild night together last year, he's been trying to strip away her defenses one by one. He claims he's just coming along to keep her safe-but what's not safe for her is prolonged exposure to the tattooed hottie.

Jack can't get Jenna out from under his skin. She makes him feel alive again after his old life nearly destroyed him-and losing her is not an option. Now Jack's troubles are catching up to him, and he's forced to return to his hometown in Louisiana. But when his secrets put them both in harm's way, Jenna will have to figure out how far she's willing to let love in . . . and how much she already has.

Review:

This book took me by surprise, in such an amazing way. I went in expecting a cute love story, but what I got was so much more. Right Kind of Wrong delved into a topic that was deep, dark and had me nervously turning the pages as fast as possible. That additional aspect of the story, along with characters I adored and dialogue that was hilarious and sexy, created a unique dynamic that made me fall madly in love with this book!

Both Jack and Jenna need to go back to their homes in Louisiana, from Arizona. The only problem is Jenna wants to make the drive alone, without Jack tagging along. They’re good friend, probably even best friends, but trapped inside of a car for a few days with Jack has Jenna struggling to breathe. That’s because she won’t be able to step away from their scorching hot chemistry when it gets too intense. You see one drunken night last year, they pushed their friendship into something more. Jack wants that more but Jenna doesn’t want to be tied down. When Jack barges in and joins Jenna, it becomes a sexy, fun, breathless road trip. Well, that is until Jack’s past puts them right in the middle of a very dangerous situation.

God I hate him. But not really. God I hate that I don’t hate him. – Jenna

Jenna may be stubborn and set in her ways, but I loved her! I understood her not wanting to be tied down. To wanting to create a great life for herself, all by herself. To needing to be fierce and independent. And her conviction to those beliefs, while a few times made me want to shake her, had me respecting her. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t escape the chemistry she had with Jack. Because when Jack was around, heaven help her haha.

I look down into her golden eyes, just inches from mine, and wonder if there will ever be a time when I can stand this close to her and not feel so undone, so unguarded. Then I wonder if that’s even something I would want. – Jack

Ohhhhh Jack. He was one of those guys, where they walk into the room and suck out all of the air. He couldn’t help but command your whole attention. Whether it was his tatted body, beautiful gray eyes or just the presence he created, he was impossible to ignore. The words he chose to speak and the times he would gently touch Jenna had me melting into a puddle on the floor. He could be so smooth, sincere, intense and sexy but add in the fact that he’s a good guy, well it’s impossible not to love him. I seriously just wanted to crawl into the book and hug him, or be near him. I became that obsessed with him.

She’s beautiful and wild, and drives me absolutely crazy. – Jack

When Jack and Jenna were together, their sexual tension was palpable. Sometimes it was so intense that it was the most amazing kind of unbearable. Because it killed me that they weren’t together, that they didn’t just fall into it all. Especially since their interactions had me laughing and smiling. But it wasn’t all fun and games because this book twists into something more. And those scenes were intense and felt real, I don’t even know if I breathed while reading those pages! So a huge YES, I loved this book! Actually, I loved this whole series. Chelsea Fine has become an author who I can’t recommend highly enough!

P.S. There are lots of hidden gems in this book and one of my favorites was Jack’s mom. She is…..wellllll…..you’ll just have to find out for yourself.

P.P.S. Another reason I loved Jenna was because she had to pack 3 suitcases to go home since clothes, shoes and beauty supplies are THAT important! **I’ve personally never done that, cough I’m lying cough.**

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Best Kind of Broken #1 Reviews: Jen	Perfect Kind of Trouble #2 Reviews: Jen	Right Kind of Wrong #3 Reviews: Jen

BOOK REVIEW – Perfect Kind of Trouble (Finding Fate #2) by Chelsea Fine

March 29, 2015 / Jen / 0 Comments

Perfect Kind of Trouble (Finding Fate #2)
by Chelsea Fine
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sometimes when perfect falls apart, a little trouble fixes everything . . .

Twenty-one-year-old Kayla Turner has lost everything. After spending most of her life taking care of her ailing mother, she just wants to spot a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. So when her late father-a man she barely knew-leaves her an inheritance, she finally breathes a sigh of relief . . . until she learns the inheritance comes with strings. Strings in the form of handsome playboy Daren Ackwood, her father's protégé. To see any of her inheritance, she's forced to team up with him. From his expensive car to those sexy dimples, Kayla's seen his type before. But Daren isn't who he seems to be . . .

Struggling to make amends for his family's mistakes, Daren has a life more Oliver Twist than Richie Rich these days. He's beyond grateful that James Turner included him in his will, but working with Turner's princess of a daughter to fulfill his cryptic last wish is making Daren wonder if being broke is really so bad. Still, she's just as beautiful as she is stubborn, and the more time he spends with Kayla, the less it feels right being without her. Soon Daren and Kayla begin to wonder if maybe the best gift Kayla's dad could have left them . . . was each other.

Review:

Perfect Kind of Trouble was the perfect kind of book to put a smile on my face. It was exactly what I needed! It was heart-warming, smile inducing and when the last page closed, I had this happy feeling floating around me. There’s a reason I love this author’s writing and that’s because in my eyes she always creates female leads who are like-able and that will have you rooting for them, males who are drool worthy, broken and definitely hard to forget, and a fun, entertaining story-line that makes you want to read the book again and again!

Kayla Turner’s father has passed away. She has traveled from Chicago to Arizona, to not only attend his funeral, but to deal with his will. But Daren Ackwood is involved with the will also. As far as Kayla knows, Daren use to mow her father’s lawn, has a crazy amount of drama clouding his past, and is gorgeous. Now they have to make a choice together. If they want to receive whatever it is that Kayla’s father has left them, they have to team up together. Handcuffed. Little do they know what is in store for them!

An elderly couple walks past us, looking horrified when they see the glinting metal binding us together, and the old woman’s mouth drops open.
I smile at them reassuringly and explain. “We’re not felons,” I say, shaking my head. “We handcuffed ourselves together on purpose.” They look even more horrified. “Not for a kinky reason,” I quickly add. “For money.”
Kayla mutters, “Please stop talking.”

Kayla was so easy to like! She is level headed, careful in her life plans, and thinks things through. She deals with a lot of stigma for being gorgeous, but instead of coming off as stuck-up or trying to use her beauty as an advantage, it nearly hinders her at times. Plus, the fact that she does not put up with any of Daren’s douche-bag ways, made me love her resolve! She puts him in his place again and again, and I almost started to feel sorry for him. Almost.

“Hi. I’m Daren Ackwood— all-around nice guy and legendary lover. Nice to meet you.”
She doesn’t even look at my hand.
“No.” I blink.
“No?”
“No.”

As I said, Darin could be a douche-bag, but then two seconds later his heart would peak out and he verged on the border of being a sweetheart. Probably my favorite aspects of Darin was that he was cocky and charming. He kept asking Kayla for a kiss and to be her friend. Such simple requests, and it was so hilarious when Kayle would turn him down. But there’s more to Darin than meets the eye. What he has going on underneath it all? Oh wow. He truly is a beautiful, broken person inside. His situation and past seemed so real. That it could have happened to anyone in his situation. And with how he handled it all, just made me love him that much more.

I trail my eyes over her face, down her body, and to our joined wrists, oddly satisfied by the fact that she’s literally locked to my side. Twisted, I know. But everything about this girl tangles me up.

This was an adorable, feel good book. I was guaranteed that when Kayla and Darin were in the same area, I got to witness hot sexual chemistry and hilarious banter! But personally, the beginning was a little slow for me, since we have to learn about each of them separately. Thankfully that part doesn’t last too long and shortly after, I found myself snagged and falling for their story. I’m so happy I read this book, and I can’t wait to start Right Kind of Wrong next!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Best Kind of Broken #1 Reviews: Jen	Perfect Kind of Trouble #2 Reviews: Jen	Right Kind of Wrong #3 Reviews: Jen

BOOK REVIEW: Reclaiming the Sand by A. Meredith Walters

March 18, 2015 / Chelsea / 0 Comments

Reclaiming the Sand (Reclaiming the Sand #1)
by A. Meredith Walters
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bully and victim.
Tormenter and tormented.
Villain and hero.

Ellie McCallum was a bully. No connection to anyone or anything. A sad and lonely existence for a young woman who had come to expect nothing more for herself. Her only happiness coming from making others miserable.

Particularly Freaky Flynn.

Flynn Hendrick lived a life completely disconnected even as he struggled to become something more than that boy with Asperger's. He was taunted and teased, bearing the brunt of systematic and calculated cruelty, ultimately culminating in a catastrophic turn of events that brought Ellie and Flynn’s worlds crashing down.

But then Flynn and Ellie grew up.

And moved on.

Until years later when their paths unexpectedly cross again and the bully and the freak are face to face once more.

When labels come to define you, finding yourself feels impossible. Particularly for two people disconnected from the world who inexplicably find a connection in each other.

And out of the wreckage of their tragic beginnings, an unlikely love story unfolds.

But a painful past doesn’t always want to let go. And old wounds are never truly healed…and sometimes the further you try to run from yourself the closer you come to who you really are.

So…..I don’t have a ton to say about this book, other than I was severely disappointed. I’ve recently fallen in love with a book that has the whole ‘Mean Girls’ and bullying thing going on, so I really wanted to find another book like that-bullying wise. I’ve also recently started to realize I am in LOVE with flawed characters….especially of the male variety. So, naturally, I figured this book would be a slam dunk-and all my friends mostly seemed to love it.

Well, I’m only posting this review so I can clearly voice my displeasure: This book was moronic. From the cheesy dialogue to the overly mean friends who can only be described as villains in a sad B-list movie(am I saying that correctly?? I mean A HORRIBLE WANNABE BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE), this book had very little going for it. In fact, the one thing it had in its favor? I can’t even remember his name-this book is THAT forgettable. I loved the guy from the very beginning-he was sweet, kind, and he broke my heart. But that’s literally the only reason I finished.

As for the plot?? Also moronic. Why advertise a book like it’s present day when all the bad shit happens years ago??? I didn’t sign up for flashbacks, thank you very much. It was weird and it halted the story horribly and when it did become all present day, it was boring boring boring. I just wanted it to be over. Like…..I FORCED myself to finish this-but I should have called it a day from the first cheesy moment-it all went downhill from there.

So…Not much to say, really, that I haven’t already said. I have no clue why so many of my friends gave this such a high rating. Call me a bitch, but I didn’t feel even an ounce of the angst or see a smidgen of the beauty that was talked about. It was very sad, sure, but these were deplorable characters who did deplorable things….what else is there to the story aside from, errrr, Flynn? Is that it? He was the only character I cared about. So, ya know, everyone seemed to love this and none of my friends rated low…but me, Anna, and Jen certainly had no qualms about posting big, fat 2s on the record. Hopefully you’ll find something to love about this book. I just found personal torture.

********************************

Yeaaaaah this book wasn’t very good….not at all what I had expected and as it got later in the story, the dialogue became so cheesy (not Flynn, never Flynn) it was a struggle to finish. Man am I on a roll.

2 stars for Flynn.

Review to come

*****

Buddy read with Anna and Jen!