2014 Year End Review; Top 15 Reads

   Toward the middle of the year I found myself writing fewer and fewer reviews. I am not sure why, for some reason I just couldn't make my brain work. I wrote several throughout the year but not nearly enough. So I will take the opportunity now to tell you my Top 15 Reads for this year. At the bottom of this post I will list all books read by me in 2014.

 ~S

15.

What can I say..... Cat and Bones. So much love for this series. This is the final book for the Night Huntress series. For more info on this series, click HERE

14.

Awesome new YA series. There is actually a tie between which book of this series I like best. Book Two Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements)is equally as good. JLA did something with this series that I have never seen done before; there was a poll to see who Layla would end up with. Zayne or Roth. Readers voted for their favorite and we will find out who wins when book three is released.

13.

I found the Morganville Vampires series several years ago when I was reading, 'All vampires All the time'. Its one of my all time favorites and I recommend to anyone. Although the series is YA, it becomes more mature as the series progresses. Daylighters was the final book in this series. Want more info on this series, find it HERE.

12.

This is another YA series that I began several years ago, I have loved it since book one. I recommend to everyone! It has also spun a prequel series as well as a spin-off coming soon. For more info on this series, click HERE

11.

This is another series finale that I just have to add to my list. And it will not be the last. I found this series this year and after reading book one I devoured the remaining available books in this series. I could not get enough of them. I read several other books by this author this year but this series, and especially this particular book, really stood out. If you would like more info on this series click HERE

10.

While I am a huge fan of JR Ward, her Fallen Angels series has never been on the top of my list. That being said, I have to tip my hat to the spectacular job she did in bringing this series to an end. It was truly remarkable. If you would like more info on this series, click HERE

9.

This book is truly a touching story. I was so captivated by every single character. Making Faces was my introduction to author Amy Harmon, I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. (Making Faces is a stand-alone read)

8.

The Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott is epic. Who doesn't love a hot steamy romance with even hotter rock gods. Play (Book 2) is centered around Stage Dive drummer Mal Ericson. He just happens to be my favorite of the Stage Dive crew. You have to check this series out. 

7.

"It's a good life, Hazel Grace." If you don't want to cry, do NOT read this book. If you want to read a story that will stay with you for possibly the rest of your life.... read it.

6.

I have no words..... this is by far one of the BEST YA Paranormal/scifi series I have EVER read. If you enjoy this genre you HAVE to read this series. 'Opppsition is the final book in the series. For more info on the Lux series, click HERE

5.

Amazing, amazing read! I read this on a rec from a friend. I was warned beforehand that I should stock up on kleenex. This one was an ass kicker. I loved it so much, after I was done reading I craved more from the charaters. And I had an "I cried too much" headache most of the day. If you can handle an emotional read and aren't afraid of the tears. I highly recommend this one.

4.


This is my final read of 2014 and I am sooooo glad I got it in before the year was up. On the downside I have a massive book hanger and the second book isn't out until April 2015.

3.

This is the year I discovered Jamie Fraser. Sweet baby Jesus..... try not to pant. I have never been a fan of historical romance or the time travel type books, but I have to say that this series (books and TV show) is now in my top obsessions category. I have to say that I feel almost guilty putting it at number 3. But there is no way I can have three #1's. 

2.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is near and dear to my heart for several different reason. This installment was quite extraordinary. For more info on this series, click HERE

1.

Maybe Someday is my most recommended read of 2014. I loved this book above and beyond. Having the soundtrack inside the ebook was absolutely amazing and I will not deny my fangirl crush on Griffin Peterson. I have read this book twice, listened to it on audible three times and I play the soundtrack in my car on repeat... when I am alone. My family now rolls their eyes and gives me the "Really, this again" look when they are with me. If you asked me to tell you exactly why I love it so much I don't know if I could really pinpoint a reason, all I can say is, I do, and I wish everyone everywhere would read it. And once you have finished Maybe Someday be sure to read Maybe Not: A Novellawhich is centered around Ridge's (Leading Male Character in Maybe Someday) best friend Warren.

My Full Reading List (in order) for 2014
Left Drowning by Jessica Park
Fall of Night by Rachel Caine
Daylighters by Rachel Caine
Perfect Lie by Teresa Mummert
Dark House by Karina Halle
Red Fox by Karina Halle
Dead Sky Morning by Karina Halle
Up From the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Lying Season by Karina Halle
The Perfect Distraction by Melissa Rolka
On Demon's Wings by Karina Halle
Into the Hollow by Karina Halle
Come Alive by Karina Halle
Ashes to Ashes by Karina Halle
The Perfect Emotion by Karina Halle
Worn Me Down by TE Sivec
Shame on You by Tara Sivec
Pretty Little Things by Teresa Mummert
Beautiful Bitch by  Christina Lauren
Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
The King by JR Ward
Taint by SL Jennings
Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher
White Trash Love Song by Teresa Mummert
Sins and Needles by Karina Halle
Consequences by Althea Romig (DNF)
Heart of Gold by Jessica Bird
Play by Kyle Scott
Music of the Heart by Katie Ashley
Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning (Audible)
Blue Moon by Pat Spence
The Destiny of Violet and Luke by Jessica Sorenson
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning(Audible)
Faefever by Karen Marie Moning (Audible)
Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning (Audible)
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (Audible)
City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
Iced by Karen Marie Moning (Audible)
Carnage by Lesley Jones (DNF)
Come to Me Quietly by AL Jackson
Come to Me Softly bu AL Jackson
Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire
Taming the Storm by Samantha Towle
Hard as it Gets by Laura Kaye (Audible)
Making Faces by Amy Harmon
Lead by Kylie Scott
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Lux Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Dust to Dust by Karina Halle
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Knight by Kristen Ashley
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
For You by Kristen Ashley
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
Immortal by JR Ward
Stay with Me by J. Lynn
Be with Me by J. Lynn
RELLIK by Teresa Mummert
One Night Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout
One Night Denied by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren
Maybe Not (A Novella) by Colleen Hoover
Bright Side by Kim Holden
Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren
Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Love, in English by Karina Halle
Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Ascendent (Cuspian Saga Book 2) by DC Hall

Expected Release Date

March 2015

Blurb:

Fraternal twins Kendal and Kennedi Myles are desperate for their broken lives to return to a time when stolen kisses, football games, and an overbearing parent was normal. But being the most powerful Cuspians—a superpowered subspecies of humans—in America isn't exactly normal, and that time has passed from their lives forever.

Kennedi has spent her summer training for the inevitable moment when Beau—the Cuspian she loved and then betrayed—returns to kidnap both her and her brother for The Conservatory, an agency desperate to acquire the strongest of their kind at any cost. But Kennedi refuses to be collected like vintage couture. She’s ready to protect the ones she loves most—at whatever cost.

Kendal is fed up with waiting to be attacked for his role in the near-fatal assault that left three of The Conservatory's operatives in bloody pieces. With the threat of vengeance around every corner, he hacks into The Conservatory's database, yielding disastrous results. As new clues into his mother’s death emerge, Kendal must decide just how far he's willing to go to uncover the truth.

Focused on their individual quests, the twins’ attention is divided and their weaknesses are exploited. Every decision they make drives a wedge further between them, and the pair soon realizes something they can never unlearn: the price that comes with power is often too high to pay.

About the Author:

DC Hall is obsessed with argyle socks, the smell of books and believes he is the smartest person in the room. Granted he’s usually alone when he thinks this but it still feels good. When his nose isn’t stuck in a book, DC is usually writing or trying to teach his dog, Brooklyn, how to wash dishes (success remains elusive.) DC is from the south where the teas are sweet, distance is measured in minutes—not miles, and the skies are always Carolina blue. 

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/authorDCHall

Blog: http://dchall-author.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dchallauthor

Ascendent Teaser

 Currents of air seeped away from me, turning strains of my hair into individual whips. 

“It’s beautiful.” 

It. 

My ability. Not me. But it. Not that I was fishing for a compliment from the creepier but I was more than what I could do. 

Samuel continued, seemingly oblivious to my dismissal to him. “Your power isn’t limited the way ours is. The things you can do with your mind. This wind. Your mind. Your brother’s telekinesis. It’s breathtaking.” He cleared this throat. “You are going to get me the stars.”

I tried to ignore him but his voice enraged me. He spoke as if I was an animal. This tiger, colored in stripes by nature’s paintbrush, that was admired for the very thing that was going to make her a fur rug. 

“The stars aren't for sale.”

“Sweet, Kennedi. They are always for sale.” These words were soft, almost remorseful.  

***DC Hall is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card with this cover reveal. Pop over to our Facebook page and see our "COVER REVEAL" post for details (if you have not been there already) I will keep the Giveaway open through the weekend.***  

Facebook: Pretty Little Readers

Cover Reveal: The Dark Thief (Two Sides of Me) Amy Lynn Garcia

Title: Dark Thief

Series: The Two Sides of Me

Author: Amy Lynn Garcia

Goodreads

I can feel his ankles brushing against my own. And then I hear a click, what the hell? He’s taking pictures of me! I jump and flip to my back opening my eyes to Evan towering over me with an enormous professional looking camera.

“What the hell Evan? I’m naked!” “I’m well aware baby now close your eyes and relax, I want some of this side.” “Evan! No!” It’s then that I look at my arms, and then propping up I see my legs, hell every inch of me! I’m covered in his signature! Evan Lawson is scrawled across my skin in various sizes but the same name over and over, delicate looking font in some places and bold in others. He’s claimed me, quite literally.

Shocked and confused, mouth agape I look up at him as he stands there awaiting my cooperation. “Close your mouth baby, a bird might…” I cut him off “Evan! Why…why is your name…everywhere?” I lift my arms as if to show him what he’s done. “Because you are mine.” “And you couldn’t think of a better way to show that?” “No, I like you covered in my autograph and I’m taking you out tonight to Dominus for dinner and drinks. I know all too well how my customers gawk and I don’t want anyone’s lustful eyes on you.” I think my mouth is hanging even wider if that’s possible.

He wants me to go out like this, covered in his signature, so that no one will look at me. Ok, he’s totally lost it, I’m not going anywhere like this. “Uh uh, no way, I can’t go out all marked up like this!” “Lay down Mia I want to get a few more shots.”

***

Also from this series

A Dark Kiss (Two Sides of me book 1)

Goodreads

This is the first in a series about Evan Lawson and Mia Galloway. Two brave survivors, one dominant and one innocent. Thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, neither of them looking or believing themselves capable of love. A white hot fire ignites and they begin to learn to fight against all odds for this unique, unexpected love. Can their love survive their past demons or will it separate them permanently? 

***

 About the Author

I am Amy Lynn Garcia, daughter, sister, cousin, mother, nurse, and grandma...no..no...call me Mimi I'm too young to be a grandma, writer and friend. We are all something to someone, and I love all the hats I wear in my life. I was born in 1969 which is where I lay blame to my compulsion to write erotica and romance, wink. That makes me...uh...yea 45, no way really? My mind is still very young but not naive I've seen a lot and experienced more, you may think I don't know what's going on but be assured this Mama knows what's up! I enjoy creating characters that have something people can relate to, who are real, addictive and intriguing. Love has always been a desire just out of my reach, as it is for many people. I believe that is what draws me into stories with superb happily ever afters. I want to connect with people on that level, let them know they aren't alone, that love can triumph over all, we all long for that special one that takes our breath away. 

http://www.algarcia-darkkiss.com/

https://twitter.com/darkkissamylynn

http://darkkiss2014.tumblr.com/

www.pinterest.com/darkkissromance/darkkissauthor

instagram.com/dark_Kiss_

http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1494677847459457

Cover Reveal: Pure Punishment by TL Smith

Title: Pure Punishment

Author: T.L. Smith

Genre: Dark Romance

Release Date: January 3, 2015

Goodreads

About The Book:

One, Two.
Who to kill?
Three, four.
You better open your door.
Five, six.
Cut or nick?
Seven, eight.
Don’t party to late.
Nine, ten.
Watch your gate.

My name is Kayla. Would you like to play a game with me? I promise to only make you bleed and possibly scream.

Are you ready for some fun?

About The Author:

T.L. lives in Brisbane, Australia with her 2 children. She started writing because of her love of reading. She used to doodle with ideas when she was younger, but never wrote too much. Her life dream is to be a full time author. If you ask her if she is like her characters, she says, “I am like both of the characters from my two book series. I think I have put a bit of myself in both….Krinos tends to say things without thinking, I do the same. She also rules the roost, and I do the same in my household.” Her celebrity crush is Chris Hemsworth, she loves chocolate ice cream, her biggest pet peeve is nails on a chalkboard., and she is not a fan of having her photo taken. She loves being part of the Indie Book world, and has made some amazing friends along the way. But, she acknowledges she could never do what she does if it wasn’t for the bloggers that pimp her and the fans that support her and read her books.

Stalk Her – She Likes It!!!

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Giveaway!!!

1 Swag Pack

3 ebook copies of Sasha’s Dilemma

1 arc winner of Pure Punishment

Enter Here

Review: One Night Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

4 Stars
Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop. He's heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she's almost too distracted to take his order. When he walks out the door, she thinks she'll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M.

All he wants is one night to worship her. No feelings, no commitment - nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He's obnoxious but well-mannered. He's a gentleman but aloof. He's passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Livy can't deny him...or herself.

M awakens something in Livy, something deep and addicting that she never knew existed-and that she fears only he can satisfy. But she senses that behind the fast cars, fancy suits, and posh apartment, he's aching inside.

To have him, body and soul, she'll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses becomes her obsession - an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair...

Buy now on Amazon




  My thoughts; I bought One Night Promised the day it released back in July. It has sat on my kindle up until now, I can't really explain why other than simply.... Jesse Ward.
  I picked up This Man (book one This Man Trilogy) in November of 2012, it was just a few months prior to the release of book two and I was insanely glad I found the series a little later. My wait for book two was not so long, but still, I could not stop obsessing.

  My point? Well, I have this deep seated love for Jesse Ward, he trampled his way to the top of my Book Boyfriend list, and he has held the position quite strongly. Oh, there are contenders, believe me, but still he can not be budged. An that leads me directly into my point...

  Having fallen so hard for This Man, I was scared to read One Night. Any true bookie will understand this. You read something that leaves you reeling and begging for more but when the author writes something new you are terrified it will not stand up to the book(s) that made you fall in love with their writing to begin with. And lets face it, if we are honest, it happens.... a lot. So, there I was, on release day, 1-Clicking the book and then staring at it on my kindle. Terrified to read it.
  A few nights ago I was looking through my unread books and said to myself "Suck it up!". I generally listen when I talk to myself so I decided to go for it, book two is days away and I figure I might as well not break the tradition of reading a JEM book just prior to the sequel release.

  It did begin slowly for me, the lead up and meeting the characters etc. But then M strolls in and I began to see the storyline pick up. At one point I wanted to tell Livy to hold her knickers because it almost felt TOO fast. You just met him, you aren't in love yet. And I was right, I could see it was just an infatuation and I began to settle into the story.

  I became quite infatuated myself, Miller is hard to take in the beginning, he is cold and distant and almost rude. If I am honest I didn't like him at all. But, as his character starts to reveal itself and we get little tidbits along the way I really began to love him. It was at that point that my frustrations turn to Livy. It was almost like a role reversal, he became the one I was championing while I was giving her the side-eye.
  I really like her character and she seems strong, until she isn't. She seems understanding, until she isn't. She seems loving and warm, until she just isn't. She crosses a line for me and I wanted to yell obscenities at her. And, had my husband not been lying beside me sleeping as I read, I would have.
  Livy's hypocrite level hit defcon 5 and I was pissed. I know in the end she was lashing out her own insecurities onto him. Projecting a bit of self hate, maybe. She felt betrayed and I understand that, but the way she handles things are just unacceptable. I had an inner monologue just yelling every chastising thing I could think of, but in the end the only thing I wanted to say was, "You march yourself back in there and apologize.... a LOT. And dammit give him his thing!" But what I got was the end of the book instead.

  It was at that moment that I realized that JEM had done it to me again. I am totally smitten with this story and I can not wait until book two One Night Denied releases November 11. I don't know what I was so worried about  (^_^).


~S 

 

Review: RELLIK by Teresa Mummert

4 Stars

Rellik Bentley is to die for. 

He can have any woman he wants and they will do anything to be with him. He uses and abuses them like drugs and tosses them out with the trash. The only thing he gives a f*ck about is his music. That is, until Ella Leighton walks into his life and stumbles upon one of his darkest secrets. In the midst of doing damage control, he begins to obsess over the mysterious woman who wants absolutely nothing to do with him.
Rellik won’t take no for an answer.


 Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Buy now on Amazon

  My thoughts; I know the old saying about books and judging covers and all that but, ummm, do you see this cover?? How can I not. Honestly, I have wanted to read this book since before it was fully written... all because of the cover. I pre-ordered it back in January, I was not playing around.

   I could tell by the synopsis that Rellik was not exactly a good guy. But Teresa "Queen of the Plot Twist" Mummert, has shocked me more than once. I am no stranger to her work so I know that just when I think things are one way, it may just turn out to be another.

    I wanted Rellik to be this misunderstood guy who was really just hiding all his pain under this facade of bad boy. And well......

   Ok, you all know me better than that. If you have ever read a single review I have written you know I am not going to give up a spoiler. I will say this, Rellik is not who he appears to be but neither is Ella. They both have secrets to hide. Rellik is not a sweet Happily ever After kind of story. It is dark and twisted and I loved every minute of it.

Just because I have to be fair and honest I will add a couple of things that were dislikes.

   There were a couple of spots in the book where I had to go back a paragraph or two because I had a "Wait what just happened" moment. Almost as if the transition between one event and the next were blurred but it does not detract from the storyline at all.

   The other thing that bothered me was that this book ends at 88%. However, there are two chapter from another book by Teresa Mummert (Pretty Little Things) to fill in the space. I am not sure if there is a note somewhere that says the book ends early and has bonus chapters from another book or not. If it does I missed it.

   All in all this was a really great and quick read (I read in a single day). I would recommend it to anyone who likes a dark twisted romance, with a possible anti-hero. 

~S

Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

5 Stars
When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

Buy NOW on Amazon

My Thoughts: I want to start out this review by saying this.... I have read several one-two line reviews saying that this book was way better than Maybe Someday. That this was the best book Colleen Hoover has written to date. I am not sure that I agree with either statement, but regardless, this was definitely a FIVE STAR read.

I went into this book with high expectations. One, because of the reviews I saw trickling in said it was awesome. Two, because Colleen Hoover had mentioned that this was not like any of her other books. And three, it is Colleen Hoover. My expectations were more than met and all of the above are true. I found myself pretty much engrossed within a few chapters and I didn't want to put it down. The relationship, as it were, between Tate and Miles is unfolding while the reader is simultaneously reliving the past Miles is trying so hard to forget. You are not only falling in love with who he is but also who he once was. And you keep falling over and over again.

I don't want to go into to much detail because, as you all know, I loathe a spoiler no matter how minor. I will however say this..... 

Colleen Hoover does not only know how to write a breathtaking story, she knows how to take that story and arrange the words on the page in such a way that they aren't just words. They become a feeling, a life, love, heartbreak, and every other emotion. She was given a gift and I am so glad that she decided to share that gift with the world.

Now I want to talk about a couple of things that I couldn't help but wonder while reading. I will also take this opportunity to warn everyone as well. This book is indeed NOT like others Hoover has written. There are quite a few naughty bits and for anyone who has read her previous books we know that that has never before been at the forefront of any of her stories. And that being said it leads me to this thought...

Are the naughty bits what is making people refer to this as her best work yet? Has this become a prerequisite by which we judge all New Adult books? I guess we will never really know. I have to admit I prefer the 'lighter side' of her previous books because that is just what I am use too from her. However, because of the type of relationship Miles and Tate began with I can see how this more steamy aspect is true to the story and I would never suggest it not be taken to that depth. This story is by no means ever going to be categorized as erotic. It is steamy and sexy and at times a little naughty but it is never smutty.

If I had to find one thing that I did not like about this story it would have to be the fact that Miles's past relationship very much resembles his relationship with Tate. Rules being set, rules being broken. The secrecy of the 'relationship', that sort of thing. But over all this was a fantastic book and as always I look forward to what she has in store next. :)


P.S. Ridge still holds the number one spot for me ;)



~S

 

Review: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

5+ Stars
Ambrose Young was beautiful. He was tall and muscular, with hair that touched his shoulders and eyes that burned right through you. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She'd been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have...until he wasn't beautiful anymore.
Making Faces is the story of a small town where five young men go off to war, and only one comes back. It is the story of loss. Collective loss, individual loss, loss of beauty, loss of life, loss of identity. It is the tale of one girl's love for a broken boy, and a wounded warrior's love for an unremarkable girl. This is a story of friendship that overcomes heartache, heroism that defies the common definitions, and a modern tale of Beauty and the Beast, where we discover that there is a little beauty and a little beast in all of us.




Buy Now on Amazon





My Thoughts; I noticed this book trending and getting rave reviews. I one clicked in on Amazon and let it sit for a little bit. I kept waiting for a low rating, for someone to say the hype was only hype and then I would read it and give my own opinions. Well I never once saw a low rated review (until today, I will come back to it in a bit) and I had it just sitting there so I thought..... maybe it will be me, maybe I will be the one to read it and have to write the dreaded ONE STAR. I was wrong.

I will admit that the beginning of the book was a bit boring for me. We are meeting new characters for the first time and also (for me) a new author. I had to get into the flow of the past/present story line, which for me is a lot of time a huge turn off, before the story really begun to take shape. But all of that aside there was something about it that kept me coming back to read, curiosity maybe? Maybe it was the fact that at the time I had seen only stellar reviews and I just had to see where it was going. When I read reviews I am extremely careful about how much or how many I read. Most of the time I want even read the review itself but only the little "tidbits" a reviewer gives pre-review, so I knew nothing other than what the books synopsis gives away.

This book is told from the third person POV so there is never a singular set of eyes with which we view everything. Every character gets there own piece of the story. I think many people would argue with me on this but I did not read this as a love story, to me that was not the main focus. There is a love story that happens with Fern and Ambrose but the truth is, for me, this story was about heroism and the fact that you don't have to be the strongest or the most handsome to be the biggest hero in someone's life. 

Ok so now that I have made myself teary eyed I need a moment.....

Let's talk about the characters for a bit and I will also be mentioning a couple of points from the low star review I read earlier.

Fern is the awkward girl everyone laughed at in school, she wore thick glasses and braces, she was lanky and not curvy like the other girls. She did not turn the heads of the shallow teenage boys. Fern sees herself as ugly and she thinks everyone else sees her the same way. Especially Ambrose, the most gorgeous boy in school. We all went to school with this boy, all the girls wanted to date him all the guys wanted to be his friend. He was good at everything without even trying. That is Ambrose Young, and he is also the boy Fern has had a crush on since she was 7 years old. She met Ambrose at her cousin Bailey's house. Bailey, who is also Fern's best friend, has a form of MD and by high school has been confined to a wheelchair. Bailey, in my opinion, is the true hero in this story. He has touched the life of every single one of the characters in this story. He is the one who always says the thing that needs saying, he never feels sorry for himself and he would do anything within his power to protect the ones he loves. He is strong, independent, caring and self sacrificing and I love him above all the other characters.

The low star review I read earlier says that Fern's character is an insult to all redheads. I disagree, her red hair and freckles are one reason Fern finds herself unattractive, but they are not THE reason. Her red hair is just another thing about her that is different, and she feels that it sets her apart from the "norm". The same reviewer says that she feels like there is little growth with her character, that she keeps the same schoolgirl crush on Ambrose that she harbored since grade school. This I can sort of agree with. But I can't help but attempt to put myself in her shoes. She has loved this boy, no matter how childishly, all her life. I can see how she would continue to hold those same feelings for him. And the fact that she has basically shut herself off from everyone but Bailey, due to her insecurities, I can see how her character can seem immature. Fern has stayed by Bailey's side their whole lives, if he couldn't - she didn't. It was just the way of things.

This same review calls Ambrose selfish for 'convincing' his friends to join the army with him. I can agree but if you read the book Ambrose himself has this same feeling. But I have to disagree with the 'convincing' part. Those boys went because they chose too. Does Ambrose hold that kind of power of persuasion... of course he does. But the truth is these boys are his closest and most trusted friends and had the roles been reversed I believe he would have gone with them too. This review also mentions the nonchalant way one of the boys says, "Why not? Chicks dig soldiers and I have nothing better to do...." To me this was a typical teenage boy response, especially considering the character who says it.  As I read this review there were lots of points that she made that I can completely agree with. Did I think it before reading her review.... absolutely not. So my advice is to go into this book with a clear head, don't read to many reviews that give away a lot of detail and make up your own mind about it. I am stickler for keeping as much of the storyline out of my reviews as possible, I hate spoilers and I never ever wanna spoil anything.

All that being said, this is one of the best books I have read all year and I will be recommending it to lots and lots of people. If you are looking for a steamy romance, this isn't. If you are looking for a book that puts you behind enemy lines and in the heart of a war zone, this isn't. If you are looking for it to follow Ambrose throughout his recovery after his injury, this isn't it. This book is not about PTSD, I never saw it that way at all and I really don't think the author intended that to be the main focus either. However, if you are looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings, one that feels "real", one that will most likely stay with you for a long time after you have finished it, then this is definitely a brilliant choice.

~S

Review: Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire

4 Stars

The Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.

Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.

Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt.

Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red.

As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.

In the first installment of the Maddox Brothers books, readers can experience the rush of reading Beautiful Disaster for the first time, all over again.


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   My thoughts: I would ask you to all be patient with me while reading this review. I am going to try and keep it as spoiler free as always but the thing that bothered me the most about this book is the HUGE reveal at the end. As I sit and collect my thoughts I am finding that the things I loved the most about Beautiful Oblivion is also the same things that I didn't like. Let me explain...

   The story takes place at the same time as Beautiful Disaster. While I loved Beautiful Disaster, and devoured it in one sitting, I have already read it, as well as Walking Disaster. So this book made the third in the same timeline/plot setting. Beautiful Oblivion aka Trent and Cami's story was almost clouded because I knew so much about certain things that were going to happen. We have seen them before...... twice. I found myself wishing that this book had taken place after Beautiful Disaster's end. Had that been the case Trent and Cami would have had their own story not a shared one. However, because I loved BD so much I found myself loving all the glimpses and parallels that occurred along the way. I told you it was frustrating! 

   The character similarities bothered me somewhat. I realize they are brothers and it has been said all along that the Maddox brothers were all alike. But I was just a little put off by HOW similar they were. Cami did something to upset Trent he went on a man-whoring spree. Just like Travis did. Cami has an awful deadbeat father. Abby had awful deadbeat father. Cami had boyfriend and Trent was friend-zoned. Travis, friend-zoned while Abby dated. I could go on but this reaches spoiler territory. But again, I love the way the story played out and I fell in love with Trent the same way I fell for Travis. I repeat.. frustrating.

Now the absolute biggest issue is going to require a couple of *editing bleeps*

    Throughout the entire book there seemed to be a secret that Cami was keeping from Trent about T.J. (the BF). I could not figure out what the big deal was, why did they seem to want to hide everyone. T.J. had a job he couldn't talk about. I assume(d) he is a cop of some kind (remains to be seen). So, I thought ok, job purposes she had to keep hush hush. T.J. makes a few appearances throughout the book and nothing seems out of the ordinary. Just a guy who has went his own way and his job has taken him to another state. A couple of people see him and nothing seems out of the ordinary when he is mentioned. Then the reveal comes and suddenly I am in WTF mode. I was like THIS was the big secret? This is what Cami was trying to hide from the world? I get it, I do. I feel like it is a clusterf**k of epic proportions and I am still not completely sure how I feel now. But and it is a big BUT...... why was this secret a secret in the beginning, before Trent? Why was T.J. and Cami so adamant that no one (from their hometown) know they were dating. I am hoping more light is shed on this subject in the next book. At this point T.J. is looking like a bit of a douche. "You were willing to mover her to California with you but you can't tell these people she is your girl?? Why T.J.? Why?" The flip side of this was the GASP WHUUUUUUT??? at the last line of the book. This made all of the other stuff seem small because the reveal was BAM. Again, the frustration!!!

   I am excited to read the next book but I do have to say this. I pray the timeline/plot is original to the story and not another repeat of the same. If this happens I may actually give up on this series and I really, really don't want to give up on it. I happen to love those Maddox boys.

   I will go ahead and apologize to anyone who is looking at the word vomit that is this review, thinking, "Ummm what?" But honestly this is exactly how I felt while reading this book. My feelings were all over the place. I loved the whole thing beginning to end, but I also disliked a wide majority of it. Makes no sense but it is what it is I guess. Leave me a comment if you have read it and let me know how you felt during/after you read it. I love to hear other people's opinions.

~S