Blog Archives - Four Chicks flipping pages

Stripped Raw by Prescott Lane

2/29/2016

BUY LINK: KINDLE | PAPERBACK

Stripped Raw

Stripped Raw by Prescott Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Neilliza
**ARC provided by Author, in exchange for an honest review**

An emotional book full of love. A loving sister, a loving aunt, a loving girlfriend with such a big loving heart. That’s Kenzie, she thinks of everyone around her and how to be there for them and always put herself in the back burner. That’s how great of a person Kenzie is and she was fine with everything…until she met Kane. Kane is a divorcee, a handsome lawyer, an awesome brother and son. They both had a past that is still holding to them, but together they find themselves again and the meaning of life.

photo StrippedRaw-Teaser1.jpg

Kenzie and Kane’s love story started fast and hard, but that doesn’t mean they went straight for the kill. They were sweet and patient for each other. The first night together, came months after being together, as they waited for the right time. Their first time was beautiful and sexy, but when their past comes barreling back.. will it break them or make them stronger together? Read and find out.

photo StrippedRawTeaser2.jpg

This book is full of cute moments, love, laugh and tears. Of course I really enjoyed Kenzie’s beautiful sister Tessa. She was full of life and love for everyone. She was feisty and a great mom and oh my the letter. The letter was beautiful and tearful…you have to read it to know what I’m talking about. That letter brought me to tears, but was the one of the happiest moments in the book. Another great read from Author Prescott Lane.

:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...

View all my reviews

Until It's Right by Jamie Howard

2/29/2016

BUY LINK: Until It's Right

Until It's Right

Until It's Right by Jamie Howard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 4f8e10aeb612e1289c5f7f54bd0c5e_zpsj4rmll5b.gif

So I have a confession to make, I was so hesitant in reading Jamie Howard's second book because unfortunately I was not a fan of her first book, Until We Break at all and found the story line and characters emotionally taxing. But OMG, I am so happy that I didn't let Until We Break deter my decision in reading her second follow up because Until It's Right blew me away and left a big fat smile on my face. Until It's Right was more than just right. It was perfect and everything I could have wanted, hoped, and craved for in a New Adult Contemporary Romance. Ms. Howard left readers like myself in awe with this second book because I was absolutely smitten with the story of Haley Mitchell and Kyle Lawson.

photo fb5e076b0a116db3cd15fff636ffd8_zpsj6f5llli.gif

“The only problem is that I can’t tell if her hand in mine is the lifeline I’ve been waiting for, or the anchor that’ll drag me to the bottom and drown me.”

So if you read the first book, I was not a Sloane fan at all. I just couldn't connect to her at all on any emotional level. And so when I found out that Haley was getting a book. I was beyond thrilled and couldn't wait to get my hands on her story because of how things ended in the first book, my heart broke for her and I believed she is the one character who DESERVES a happily ever after. And let me just say, Ms. Howard did not disappoint her readers at all. She DELIVERED a story that was brimming with so much passion, love, friendship, and raw emotions that readers like myself couldn't help but be consumed with Haley and her journey to finding "real love" and a love that is worthy of respect, friendship, trust, and commitment.

Haley Mitchell was ready to move on after finding out her best friend's sister is dating her ex-boyfriend, Luke. The guy whom she envisioned to be her happily ever after. Haley was ready to start anew. She was ready to be bold, confident, and sexy like Sloane, the girl that her ex is dating now. So when Haley decides to get back out on the dating scene, she meets Bryce. Bryce had all qualifications that Haley was looking for. He was nice, good-looking and charming. And so when they exchanged numbers at the bar, Haley was so excited that she found a guy that could possibly help her get back out on the dating scene. Three days later after their first meeting, Haley decides to text Bryce. Well as it turns out, the number that she got was a wrong number. And for some unknown reason, Haley and this “unknown number” begin somewhat a friendship via text. Soon Haley gives this unknown person a moniker calling him "Clark."

#UntilItsRight1

‘Clark’ and Haley soon begin this text friendship. It was the kind of friendship that was simple and not complicated. Haley found it comforting to text Clark and tell him embarrassing and personal matters without any judgement. He was like her personal Dear Abby.

Kyle Lawson is the IT guy so when he was asked to assist the new employee with her computer, he was stunned to meet Haley. Instantly, Kyle was drawn and attracted to Haley and her bubbly personality. He felt a connection but didn’t act on it since he has always been known as the lovable nerd. But for some reason, Kyle was brave enough to give Haley his personal number if she ever needed any help with computers or anything.

photo fb5e076b0a116db3cd15fff636ffd8_zpsj6f5llli.gif

“My heart is right there too, pinned to my sleeve, but I’m too scared to admit it to him. Instead, I show him what I can’t say by devouring him with my mouth, tilting his chin down so I can kiss him as deeply as I can possibly manage.”

After a horrible blind date, Haley finds herself lockout when she left her car keys inside the car. When she discovers that her roommates are not home and won’t be back for a couple of hours, she decided to call Kyle. Kyle came to the rescue and brought Haley back to his apartment as she waited for her friends to pick her up. Soon Kyle and Haley find themselves striking up a friendship and getting along so well. But when Haley is in the bathroom, Kyle gets a text message. Well it turns out “Clark” got a text message from “Lois” aka Haley, which happens to be Kyle’s work phone.

After discovering that Haley is “Lois” the girl that he has been exchanging text messages, Kyle is troubled because he really likes Haley but he feels Haley might like ‘Clark’ more since she has no problems with texting and telling him personal matters of the heart.

As Kyle and Haley begin their friendship, deep feelings begins to surface for the both of them. The lines of friendship begins to get blurred when Kyle begins to see Haley in a whole new light and the same can be said of Haley as well. Kyle being the good guy that he is feels it is necessary to tell Haley that he is also Clark. But it seems the right moment to tell her the truth is never right since Haley’s past and family seem to get in the way. So what will happen when Haley discovers that Kyle is also ‘Clark’? Will Haley be able to forgive Kyle? And will Kyle be able to show Haley that he is nothing like her ex?

photo fb5e076b0a116db3cd15fff636ffd8_zpsj6f5llli.gif

“And damn it all to hell, I am so in love with her. It’s not even something that’s been creeping up on me. It didn’t blindside me or take me by surprise. No, falling in love with Haley was inevitable, predictable, unavoidable. I saw it bearing down on me like an oncoming train , speeding toward me from the moment I met her. My only fear is that one day that train’s going to run me over and absolutely ruin me.”

Until It’s Right was a gem of a read. I seriously love and adore this book so much. It had the perfect balance of drama, angst, laughter, friendship, banter, and of course romance. This book was not just any typical new adult romance but it was a love story that set hearts fluttering with it palpable and tangible love connection. It usually takes me awhile to fall in love with both the hero and heroine, but Ms. Howard had written Haley and Kyle in such a way that I didn’t want their story to end. I absolutely adored this couple and wished the author wrote an epilogue because I couldn’t get enough of these two.

Jamie Howard clearly demonstrated that she will get it until it's right because her writing, story line, and raw characters clearly stole my attention and heart. THIS BOOK is a MUST READ if you are a fan of New Adult Contemporary Romance. This book had characters who were so relatable and fun. I love how Ms. Howard stripped her characters raw and allowed readers to see a vulnerable side that will warm and touch our hearts. So if you are looking for a story that was wonderfully executed with it’s gorgeous prose, raw characters and story line then I highly urge you to READ this book. And I will forewarn you that you may fall in love with a geek hero who has managed to show us that Clark Kent has nothing on Kyle Lawson.

photo 08f4697337ed056198d54baebc7181_zpsvrecddjk.gif

Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Jamie Howard

View all my reviews

Nine Letters by Blake Austin

2/28/2016

BUY LINKS:KINDLE | PAPERBACK

Nine Letters

Nine Letters by Blake Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 52758fa02d847947dca03577da3558_zpsnvenwal3.gif

Nine letters. Nine hopes. Nine chances of redemption. Nine letters to live again. In Blake Austin's debut novel, Nine Letters, Mr. Austin immerses his readers with a heartfelt raw emotional tale on the struggles of dealing with grief and loss in the eyes of Luke Cawley.

Broken. Lost. Hurt. Angry. Luke Cawley is half the man he used to be. He lost his reason. His love. His wife. Five years of love was abruptly stolen from him. His world, his dreams, his life, and his reason is an empty void after losing his Emily. Luke can only escape his grief and pain with meaningless sex and alcohol. For one year, he was wandering lost until nine letters appeared on his doorsteps.

Nine letters addressed to him from his wife. And within these nine letters, his wife wrote heartfelt messages on what she wishes Luke to accomplish. And in so begins, Luke's journey of finding solace and comfort within these letters. And along this path, Luke meets a woman who could possible bring light and happiness back into his life once again.

“We kissed. Both went for it at the same time. I cradled her head in my hands and pulled her tight against me. She kissed like no one I’d ever kissed. She was curious, excited. She explored me. She kissed me soft, then hard. Closed mouth, opened mouth. But it was wonderful. It felt like she wanted me, wanted to know me inside and out.”

Though this book introduces another female in Luke's life, this book was more of an emotional and personal journey for Luke. This story was about seeing a man struggle with guilt, anger, loss and heartbreak. As someone who has personally experienced loss, I can relate that a death of a loved one is somewhat a journey that takes time and healing. So if you are ready for a story that is a man's journey on finding comfort, hope, and healing then NINE LETTERS might be the book for you.

photo 2b74b784b92ca7b8d8288d8f671365_zpsjzkysaap.gif

Blake Austin

View all my reviews

Across the Hall by Kylie Walker

2/24/2016

BUY LINK: Across the Hall: A Brother's Best Friend Romance Novel

Across the Hall

Across the Hall by Kylie Walker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Across The Hall by Kylie Walker was a quick light sweet read that had a bit of intrigue thrown into the mix to give this romance a dramatic effect. When two across the hall neighbors begin to develop feelings for one another, lines will be crossed, secrets will be exposed, and the truth will be revealed.

Jude Falken has been released from prison early after serving his time for involuntary manslaughter. Two years of his life was taken away from him and now as part of his early release, he is on house arrest for a month. Jude is unlike any other convicts since he comes from a wealthy family and the only crime he did was protecting his mother from her abusive boyfriend. So when Jude moves to the apartment across from his best friend and fraternity brother, he learns that his best friend is living with his younger sister. Jude has never met Jillian but has seen in pictures how gorgeous she is. He is well aware that his best friend told him to stay away. And so he does. Well he tries to.

Jillian Warren is back in NYC for good after her internship in Paris has ended. Jillian should be over the moon happy that she is a college graduate and reunited with her own family member, her brother. But what others don't realize is that Jillian left Paris for a reason to forget the man that she had a relationship with.

So when Jillian and Jude begin to strike a friendship and begin to develop feelings for one another, they both learn of each other's past and secrets.Together they try to work through their issues in their relationship. But when Jillian's past comes back haunting her, will she be able to love again with Jude or will her past memories destroy her second chance at love?

Across the Hall was a quick light read. I like the book but I wouldn't say this book is amazing because the dialogue in this story didn't sound mature for these young twenty something characters. Honestly, Jillian's secret of what happen in Paris was not a shocking reveal but I will say I was more intrigued with the inner workings that was happening with Jude's company. Other than that, if you are looking for light romantic read of a best friend falling for his best friend's sister then this book might be for you.

photo 8ea233582c83fc0710db9498844d9e_zps5x1fbk9y.gif

View all my reviews

ACE by Lyra Parish

2/23/2016

BUY LINK: ACE: a Band of Brothers Novel

ACE (Band of Brothers, #1)

ACE by Lyra Parish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michellle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 677f9076015019ac064d0e6fa5d3fc_zpsekugrf93.gif

Lyra Parish has strummed all the right chords as she captures the hearts of her readers in her newest rock star romance, ACE. In this sizzling and sexy romance, Ms. Parish ignites a fiery passion of two hearts discovering that together they can compose the greatest gift of all.. the music of love.

photo f5cb597a5173eeb9f554a5c7334c4e_zpsar5obrwb.gif

“Elizabeth’s presence was like a giant wave in my normally steady ocean. While most women threw themselves at me, she was too busy trying to get away. Elizabeth Riley intrigued the shit out of me.”

ACE is the first book to kick off the Band of Brothers Series. In this rock star romance, Ms. Parish introduces readers to a band that is composed of brothers who are on a nation wide tour. Ace Hathway is the lead singer and guitarist of the band and happens to be the youngest brother. Ace is the quintessential bad boy rock star who has a never ending of line of women ready to jump into his bed. As a man known for never doing repeats, Ace also has a reputation of never doing interviews.

#ACE

Elizabeth Riley works for an indie music magazine and she gets her first real assignment to go on tour to get the inside scoop of Band of Brothers. Her editor hopes she can get a one on one interview with Ace since he is known as the private person of the band. So on her first day on tour with the band, Elizabeth is well aware that this interview and editorial piece could help her move on up in the publishing world in order to land her dream job at the The Rolling Stones. Focus as ever, Elizabeth doesn't want to get distracted with lusting over the band members and so she keeps to herself that is until she catches the eye of the bad boy lead singer, Ace.

photo f5cb597a5173eeb9f554a5c7334c4e_zpsar5obrwb.gif

“I liked that we didn't need words to tumble across the moment; instead we enjoyed the companionable silence.”

When Ace catches Elizabeth strumming to the guitar and singing, Ace was immediately drawn to Elizabeth. He enjoyed the fact that she didn't throw herself at him like the other women. Her innocence and raw beauty ignited something inside of Ace. So when Ace and Elizabeth begins to spend more time together, the walls that Ace built surrounding his heart begins to crumble when he sees that Elizabeth is an honest and caring person. As Elizabeth and Ace begin this is new uncharted territory in their relationship, deep feelings begin to emerge. And so what happens when Elizabeth's boss discovers that she has been secretly having a relationship with Ace? Will Elizabeth be forced to end her relationship with Ace?

photo f5cb597a5173eeb9f554a5c7334c4e_zpsar5obrwb.gif

“Elizabeth was transforming me into the man I always wanted to be for a woman. I would be that man, if she would give me the chance.”

ACE is your sweet and sexy rock star romance. This book was a quick read for me since I found the story line entertaining and love seeing a bad boy rocker turn into a knight in shining in armor. So if you are ready to get in touch with your inner fan girl and swoon for a band of brothers who will know the right chords to your HEA hearts then ACE is the book for you.

photo 0972d261862e3bb82c9cec9f298055_zps5jbxkhbx.gif

Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Lyra Parish

View all my reviews

You're Still the One by Rachel Harris

2/21/2016

BUY LINK: You're Still the One (Country Blues)

You're Still the One (Country Blues, #1)

You're Still the One by Rachel Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

photo 4abd96f0127ed85e57e7513b94ecac_zpsubl7n4wi.gif

photo 817e2878824dbbfb572a8c235ac6ca_zpsg9kk3cf5.gif

“For as long as she could remember, Charlie Tucker had been the guy, and tonight, all she wanted was for him to see her as more than just a little kid. To actually see her as someone desirable. To simply see… her.”

Adorably sweet and charming!!!! You're Still The One by Rachel Harris has me totally smitten with this beautiful heartfelt love story!!!! For all you romance aficionados out there, Ms. Harris has beautiful written a story where every raw emotion, friendship, family and love was pouring out of each page.

#YoureStillTheOne1

photo 817e2878824dbbfb572a8c235ac6ca_zpsg9kk3cf5.gif

“If this was good-bye, then he was going to leave Arabella with something to remember him by. Something honest. Where words had failed him, his actions wouldn’t. They’d speak loud and clear , showing her that regardless of what he’d said, or how they’d started and ended, this was real. Their connection wasn’t manufactured or fake. It was the truest thing he’d ever known.”

In this heartfelt tale, Ms. Harris introduces readers to Charlie Tucker and Arabella Stone. Two people. Two friends. Two people who have their own hopes and dreams. Two people with a list. And in such, it was inevitable for these two people to finally found one thing that they were searching for. LOVE. This book definitely took on a slow burn approach but it worked for this story because the character development of Charlie and Arabella were beautifully crafted that readers could FEEL their emotions and vulnerabilities off each page. I loved that Ms. Harris allowed readers to really see her characters for who they are. They may not be perfect but together Charlie and Arabella were two friends who had their lives entangled for a reason. They brought comfort, love, joy, hope, beauty, and passion into each others life.

photo 817e2878824dbbfb572a8c235ac6ca_zpsg9kk3cf5.gif

“You said you wanted to make a difference in someone’s life this summer. Sweet girl, I hope you know that you did that for me.”

Music has always been an outlet to tell a story. And in this love story, Ms. Harris told a story of young love. She beautifully played a tune that will have romance fans hearts racing with the pounding of the beats and bass as she allowed readers to see beyond the depth of friendship. She allowed readers to see that LOVE can completely knock you off your feet and make you feel alive. And for Charlie and Arabella, finding love was one of the greatest thing that they can cross off their list.

photo 4f2cd3d7472bcda2bd981a7ea7e474_zps42fp14d0.gif

Rachel Harris

View all my reviews

One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters

2/20/2016

BUY LINK: One Day Soon

One Day Soon

One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 440a1c34ef4e045a89a8952620cceb_zpsqorh6yvd.gif

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“He held me captive with his aching, painful love. So I waited. And I waited. Lost and alone. Waiting to be found. Until the sun slipped away and my clothes had dried. Into the night I stayed, hoping. Hoping. My heart turned to stone and I knew. I would never see him again.”

Where do I even begin to put into perspective or find the right words to describe the magnitude of emotions coursing through me right now after reading this book? One Day Soon by A. Meredith Walters is a story that describes of what it truly means to have a second chance at love, hope, dreams, and life. This is not your typical love story of boy meets girls and girl and boy falls in love and lives HEA. No, this book is so much more. This is a story where everything matters. Survival is key. Sunsets is a time where dreams, hope, and tears clash before darkness takes over. The evenings are a reminder of how cold and cruel the world can be. Mornings is a reminder that a new day has begun where you can still hold onto the hope of a better tomorrow. And hopefully one day soon, laughter is heard instead of cries, pain is erased, humiliation is replaced with happiness, peace instead of worry, and dreams of happily ever afters do exist not just in fairytales but in real life. One day soon where two strangers found true love in a world filled with darkness and monsters. One day soon where light shines bright everyday and only happy tears are shed.

#OnedaySoon

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“He had helped me when he didn’t have to. He had taken care of me. He had made sure I was warm. Fed. That I had a place to lay my head at night. Even when he couldn’t keep himself safe, he made sure that I had been. He put me first. Always. God, I had missed him.”

A. Meredith Walters delivered a raw original story that was truly epic and unforgettable.She gave here readers an emotional, raw, real, and utterly devastatingly beautiful story of second chances. One Day Soon stole my heart right off the opening pages as she held you hostage with her stunning prose and raw characters. Ms. Walters gave readers an in your face gritty and raw perspective of what it means to truly live, fight, and survive in a world where you are overlooked and cast aside.

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“A hundred memories arched between us. A thousand words spoken softly in the dark. A dozen promises never kept.”

#oneday1

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“I stayed much longer than I should have. Because I couldn’t bear letting him go again.”

Fifteen years ago. A girl met a boy. Boy rescued the girl. Girl and boy became friends. And till one day their friendship took on a whole new deeper meaning. LOVE. I mean love that you read in fairytales. Love that can define and break you. LOVE that will never be forgotten. And within those six months of getting to know each other and falling for one another, their love was forever etched into their hearts, soul and mind. So fifteen years later, how does girl react to seeing the boy that broke her heart? How can the boy face the girl that he gave up and sacrificed for?

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“Some days were dark and bleak. Cold and hungry I felt as if I were barely existing. Then there were days like this. When all I felt was love for the boy who kept me safe. The boy who tried to make me happy in the most miserable circumstances. Who held my hand and kissed me softly and made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Even when I had nothing, he was everything.”

I honestly don't want to spoil this book for readers so I won't go into depth with this review because this book needs to be read and experienced. One Day Soon gripped, shattered and filled my heart with so much emotions. I am in awe with how meaningful, raw and real the story of Imi and Yoss is. Their story of love was not an easy one to swallow because everything about them was beautiful, heartbreaking, tragic, and earth-shattering. Their love was so pure. It was the kind of love that transcends and makes you believe in the happily ever afters and that one day soon that they will get the fairytale ending that they both truly deserves. The gift of second chances is a major theme in this book. It took fifteen years of wandering and lost time, for Yoss and Imi to finally have that chance. And in so One Day Soon will make you question everything about every love story that you have read, seen, and heard. Do you believe in fate? Do you believe in second chances? Do you believe in love? Do you believe in sacrifices? Letting go? And most importantly do you believe that you will get your one day soon of happily ever afters?

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“You’re my smile, Imi. Always have been”

There are love stories that are great, amazing, beautiful, and tragic. But the story of Imi and Yoss was a love story that encompasses everything. It was bold, raw, life-altering, emotional, unforgettable,tangible, palpable and the list goes on. It was the kind of love that made your hearts race and made you FEEL every crevice of darkness, light, sadness and happiness. It was a love like no other. It was Yoss and Imi. And that kind of love was what made One Day Soon devastatingly beautiful.

photo 4eccbde90eae35615f73a22d181ad1_zpsvhdjziuq.gif

“Imi. I love you. God I love you,” he groaned into my mouth as we started to move together. His tears fell on my face, mingling with my own. We sobbed. We laughed. We promised. We fell apart. And when it was over I knew that neither of us would ever be the same. I loved him with the foolish loyalty of a naïve heart. Every piece of me belonged to the lost, lonely boy who had saved me . He held on and I would never let go. Because I knew that when I gave him my heart, he’d never give it back.”

A. Meredith Walters did a phenomenal with this book. This book was bold, fresh, modern and emotional raw. It was everything you would want in a love story. One Day Soon is a book that I will hold dear to my heart because it really exposes the harsh reality of what it truly means to live, survive, sacrifice, and love. So if you are looking for a book that is so much more than hearts and flowers, but a story where dreams can become a reality even if after so many years has passed then I highly recommend you to read One Day Soon and just maybe we can all believe that our one day of soon will happen for each and everyone of us.

photo 25593903f47c694a777696ea613930_zpsinohqfbi.gif

Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...A. Meredith Walters

View all my reviews

Out of Focus by L.B. Simmons

2/20/2016

BUY LINKS: Out of Focus (Chosen Paths)

Out of Focus (Chosen Paths, #2)

Out of Focus by L.B. Simmons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 6e855143112ada92ac79a432bc5a19_zpsrsuofziy.gif

photo 90e79ed8f315ac91233faae4700e23_zps10tkfs8q.gif

“Secrets aren’t meant to be shared. They’re to remain hidden, safe from the judgment of others as they remain a burden for you, and only you, to carry alone.”

L.B. Simmons continues to amaze me as she once again bewitches her readers with her words, prose, raw characters and story line. She is one of my favorite authors who has always seem to know how to capture my undivided attention. Every facets of raw emotions were literally pouring off each page. Words will be just words until you bring them to LIFE. And that's what Ms. Simmons continues to master as she held our hearts hostage with her latest new release, Out of Focus.

#outOfFocus2

Out of Focus was utterly breathtaking, raw, emotional, uplifting, and hopeful. This is not an ordinary tale of finding love. It is a story where love transcends and douses us with pure passion and beauty. It is a story where fire is ignited within oneself in order to keep that spark of hope alive. That hope will be our salvation to heal and mend the broken pieces in our shattered hearts. Where the pieces of brokenness are not just picked up but are glued and fused together to make a heart whole once again.

photo 90e79ed8f315ac91233faae4700e23_zps10tkfs8q.gif

“I read obsessively to escape my own world. To live the dreams of others when, for so long, the reoccurrence of my nightmares has been my reality. I read to fall in love and find a happily ever after, even if it is purely imagined. With each story I read, I’m able to live and love vicariously through the characters in my books. It’s the only plausible way for me to survive.”

Innocence is often seen as something so pure and beautiful. And so when that is taken away from you, it is something that can never be returned. And for Cassandra Copper, her innocence was ripped out under from her. It destroyed her. Held her under the influence of guilt, shame, sadness, and pain. It broke her. Left her life out of focus. And so begins the tale of the real Cassie Copper. The young girl who is struggling to hold onto any sanity and good thing in her life. The girl who reads to escape. The girl who needs sex to fill in the void. The girl who hides behind the plastered smile. The girl is who trying to get her life out of focus.

#OutofFoucs1

So if you read L.B. Simmon's previous books, The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller and Under the Influence, then you will be very familiar with the characters in this story. The prologue alone in Out of Focus immediately held my attention. It spoke to me on a deeper level because I could feel Cassie's pain as to why she hid her secrets and why there is a strong need to escape from reality. Let's face it, we all have our secrets. Secrets that are cherished and then there are those that we want to hide and forget. The ones we just want to stay hidden and kept buried. But in truth, buried secrets are never really kept buried. They can always seem to find their way to haunt and consume you. Darkness begins to creep in and destroy pieces of your soul. And soon these pieces are like a kaleidoscope of shattered glasses that puts your life out of focus.

photo 90e79ed8f315ac91233faae4700e23_zps10tkfs8q.gif

“What I see is exactly this: You refuse to smile for yourself, but you smile for her. With everyone else, including me, it’s forced, but with her, it’s real. And it’s beautiful. I’m interested in understanding why.” He shrugs. “Call me selfish, but I also want to learn what it takes to get you to flash that gorgeous smile at me. For me.”

Out of Focus is not just a love story. It is a journey. A journey of finding oneself in the darkness and letting light shine. A journey of letting go and washing away all the hate, pain, guilt, and shame. A journey of finding that voice to be heard. To be resurrected. To be healed by love and held under the influence of real unconditional love from the people that really matters. And most importantly writing your story. Embracing each moment of your life. The good, the bad, and the in between. It is a story where words convey so much more and can truly impact how you view yourself and what really matters in life. A story that is meant to be heard. A story that is meant to be written. And most importantly a story that is meant to be read. And so Cassie Copper got her story. A story that deserved to be loved times two.

#OutOfFocus

photo 90e79ed8f315ac91233faae4700e23_zps10tkfs8q.gif

“As much as I would love to drown in this feeling, as much as I would love to surrender and give myself to him completely, I can’t. I’m damaged. Shattered. I can only offer pieces of what he seeks because pieces are all that remain.”

As I stated earlier in my review, L.B. Simmons did a phenomenal job with this book. She had resurrected her readers to see the light. She had us under the influence as she douses and bathes her readers with raw emotions. And most importantly she has us see nothing is truly out of focus when it comes to earth-shattering love. So if you are looking for a book, that strips you naked as your are drenched with an overwhelming magnitude of raw emotions, hope, and second chances then I highly recommend you to read Out of Focus. And lastly, thank you L.B. Simmons for writing a story that was meant to be read and be out of focus because real life is about writing your own fucking phenomenal epilogue.

photo 6866ee09d26fef847c6fb56b9040c4_zpsv8tj5gne.gif

L.B. Simmons

View all my reviews

Undo Me by M. Robinson

2/19/2016

BUY LINKS:
Complicate Me: The Good Ol' Boys | Forbid Me: The Good Ol' Boys | Undo Me: The Good Ol' Boys

Undo Me (The Good Ol' Boys, #3)

Undo Me by M. Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 19866afbb38c6546174cd443833103_zpskmi51p5z.gif

photo 8315673767a6d0459085a4364383e2_zpss5i0jauf.gif

“She was perfect. She came into my life like a riptide, taking down everything in her path and dragging me right along with her. I couldn’t remember the last time I came up for air, took a second to breathe, a moment to catch my bearings and try to fight against her pull. Her current was strong and growing every time I was with her. I was lost in the waves of everything she had to offer. I never expected to fall for her. I wasn’t even looking for anyone, but there she was, this girl with such a force, such a drive. It was so fucking powerful that I never stood a chance. There was no push and pull.”

A raw poignant heartbreaking and beautiful tale that captures the raw essence of what it truly means to love, forgive, sacrifice, and begin anew. M. Robinson went beyond my expectation in this third installment of The Good Ol' Boys Series as she grips her readers heart with her heartfelt and stunning prose. M. Robinson did not give readers a generic love story. She gave her readers an unforgettable love story that was raw, passionate, fragile, and vulnerable. She exposes every facets of emotions from anger, jealousy, betrayal, hurt, pain, loss, hope and love. So in this New Adult Contemporary novel, M. Robinson will undo every preconceived notion you thought her books were. She will bewitch you with her knack of creating a love story that is filled with angst, suspense, and redemption.

photo 8315673767a6d0459085a4364383e2_zpss5i0jauf.gif

“I love you, Aubrey. I fucking love you, and I don’t care who knows.”

The story of Dylan and Aubrey is a love story that will never be forgotten. It is a story that will haunt you, stain your heart, and be etched into your mind. Their love was supposed to be simple and carefree. It was the kind of love that made you say that these two truly belong together. She was the yin to his yang. Together they complete each other. She was his promise. And he was her always. But how can a love so intense, tangible and palpable be easily destroyed? Their love was meant to be forever and how could it be undone so easily.

#UndoMe

The strings that were holding Dylan and Aubrey together began to fray and unravel when an unthinkable event changed the course of their lives forever. It was not just one life that came crashing down but two. Lives were destroyed. Hearts were ruin. Forgiveness was hard to come. Anger and resentment was the dividing force that was standing in their way. And love was at a standstill.

Undo Me was a story that was meant to be experienced. It is a love story that takes readers down a tumultuous journey of what Dylan and Aubrey's love had to endure and sacrifice. Love was not meant to be easy since no love is truly perfect. And surely enough, the love of Dylan and Aubrey was tested not just one time but so many times. What truly made this book stand out was that M. Robinson had me in the palm of her hands as she was able to evoke some tears out of me. She is well aware that I am super picky when it comes to her heroes and let me just say she DELIVERED. M. Robinson made DYLAN the heart of the story. She made her readers understand the real Dylan. The asshole Dylan. The lovable Dylan. The angry Dylan. And most importantly the Dylan that loved Aubrey. The Dylan who can break our hearts and piece it back together with his words or maybe it's Southern accent when he says "suga." But whatever Dylan that M. Robinson showcased, she gave her readers a gritty, vulnerable, and raw character. A character that was meant to undo you.

photo 8315673767a6d0459085a4364383e2_zpss5i0jauf.gif

“The years of memories, mistakes, and regrets came rushing over me. Piling on top of me, their weight suffocating me. The first time I met him. Our first talk on the beach. Our first date. Our first kiss. The first time he told me he loved me. The first time we made love and every time after that. Our love… That was taken away so harshly, so violently, so unfairly.”

#undome1

photo 8315673767a6d0459085a4364383e2_zpss5i0jauf.gif

“For the first time in my life I was lost. I tried to find that man. The one that you met. The one that you loved. The one that was made just for you. I couldn’t find him. The more I searched, the harder it was to accept that I might never be him again.”

When it comes to epic love stories, readers tend to remember the pinnacle defining moments of the hero and heroine. And usually leading up to these moments, the author would throw in an angst scene. Well, M. Robinson went beyond that. She gave her readers a journey worth of angst that will have you holding your breath as you await what led to the downfall of Dylan and Aubrey. Hearts will be racing as you are taken on one bumpy and twisty journey of second chances. The road to healing and loving again was not an easy feat for Dylan and Aubrey. It was truly a journey of finding oneself and learning to forgive. So if you are looking for a love story that was sweeter the second time around then UNDO ME is the book for you.

photo bba649dafdb243009eb3ed559fecb7_zps7hcvtwji.gif

M. Robinson

View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart by Dana Volney

2/19/2016

BUY LINK: Protecting His Heart: A Wyn Security Novel

Protecting His Heart

Protecting His Heart by Dana Volney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 68b4cb6a085aa4c60108fd58e5ff25_zpsxw3q8n4v.gif

photo 6c91f183fa9fe8b0d7727c210b174c_zpszt79uxbd.gif

“They either fought or made love—there was rarely an in-between when it came to their relationship.”

A riveting tingling romantic suspense that is filled with action, twist and turns, and of course a second chance at love!!!! Dana Volney turns ups the sexiness as she delivers a story that is centered on a hero and heroine who are married and have a target on their backs. While layering this story with a mixture of suspense, this story still was able to draw out a romantic reconnection. It is about being able to let each other's guard down and see the vulnerable aspect to their love for one another while still maintaining their strong and fierce personalities.

photo 6c91f183fa9fe8b0d7727c210b174c_zpszt79uxbd.gif

“She knew what she was doing was wrong and that he might not forgive her this time for her deception— the thrills that she’d once craved more than air now also made her want to cry. Especially when she knew this time there wasn’t going to be a next time.There had never been a guaranteed next time for them anyway. They loved like crazy, fought like they had nothing to lose, and ran from each other like they might burn if they stayed any longer.”

So if you like action, suspense, banter, and romance, then Protecting His Heart is the book for you. The story was a quick read for me since the author didn't leave any details unturned as she took her readers on a sexy action packed ride.

photo 890a1226e357fb1bee9e613df46074_zpsy6ptp0fg.gif

View all my reviews