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**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
The Darkest Frost is the first book in a two book series of the same name by author, Tanya Holmes. This is my first book I have had the pleasure of enjoying by Tanya, but I know it won't be my last. When finishing a book fills me with an almost all consuming want and need to have the next book in my hands at that very moment, I know I have found a winner. And that is exactly what happened with The Darkest Frost, it ends on a cliff hanger and I was dying to get my hands on the next book. Tanya-please! I need part two right now, and make it a nice long book because I do not want The Darkest Frost to be over.
It was so strange because the first couple of chapters of The Darkest Frost seemed so unassuming. I was reading along kind of ho-hum, thinking this would be a "like" book, but nothing more. And then somewhere around the 4th or 5th chapter- bamn! It hit me all at once, and from that point on I could not put this book down. I was riveted and a helpless passenger on the journey with Danielle (yes, I know that is not her name, but that is how I know her) Braden, and Xavier. Everything about this story fascinated me. I loved the idea of a psychic detective. I loved the mystery surrounding Dr. Death AKA Braden. And I ended up loving what was going on with him even more than I loved the idea of a psychic detective. Danielle was so cool. Her gift wasn't just one thing, it manifested itself differently in different situations. I really liked how much thought Tanya Holmes put into Danielle's abilities.
And then there is Braden. Closed off, and totally mysterious, he grabbed my attention right from the start. And before I go any further, i would be doing you all a disservice if I didn't mention that the romance in The Darkest Frost is out of this world. I lurved it so very much. And the cliffhanger reached right inside my body and clenched my heart. I need the second book to see what is going to happen. There are lots of hints as to the mystery surrounding Braden and his brother, and I peeled back that riddle pretty easily I have to say, but there is so much more to The Darkest Frost than solving that mystery. (the reader is told the secret anyway.) so the fact that I was able to deduce it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of the book.
If you are a fan of gothic romances, paranormal romance, or urban fantasy this is the series for you. Check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed. I loved it so much, and I found a great new author in the process. This one is a hidden gem!
The Darkest Frost is the first book in a two book series of the same name by author, Tanya Holmes. This is my first book I have had the pleasure of enjoying by Tanya, but I know it won't be my last. When finishing a book fills me with an almost all consuming want and need to have the next book in my hands at that very moment, I know I have found a winner. And that is exactly what happened with The Darkest Frost, it ends on a cliff hanger and I was dying to get my hands on the next book. Tanya-please! I need part two right now, and make it a nice long book because I do not want The Darkest Frost to be over.
It was so strange because the first couple of chapters of The Darkest Frost seemed so unassuming. I was reading along kind of ho-hum, thinking this would be a "like" book, but nothing more. And then somewhere around the 4th or 5th chapter- bamn! It hit me all at once, and from that point on I could not put this book down. I was riveted and a helpless passenger on the journey with Danielle (yes, I know that is not her name, but that is how I know her) Braden, and Xavier. Everything about this story fascinated me. I loved the idea of a psychic detective. I loved the mystery surrounding Dr. Death AKA Braden. And I ended up loving what was going on with him even more than I loved the idea of a psychic detective. Danielle was so cool. Her gift wasn't just one thing, it manifested itself differently in different situations. I really liked how much thought Tanya Holmes put into Danielle's abilities.
And then there is Braden. Closed off, and totally mysterious, he grabbed my attention right from the start. And before I go any further, i would be doing you all a disservice if I didn't mention that the romance in The Darkest Frost is out of this world. I lurved it so very much. And the cliffhanger reached right inside my body and clenched my heart. I need the second book to see what is going to happen. There are lots of hints as to the mystery surrounding Braden and his brother, and I peeled back that riddle pretty easily I have to say, but there is so much more to The Darkest Frost than solving that mystery. (the reader is told the secret anyway.) so the fact that I was able to deduce it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of the book.
If you are a fan of gothic romances, paranormal romance, or urban fantasy this is the series for you. Check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed. I loved it so much, and I found a great new author in the process. This one is a hidden gem!
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Note:The Hazards of Sleeping with a Friend is the Fifth book in the Hazards Series. You can find out more about the series, HERE
The Hazards of Sleeping with a Friend is the Fifth we get to check in on the past couples as well. Each book can be read as a standalone but I love Juliet and Reed, and Mallory and Colton so much that I would suggest reading them all. The girls are all sorority sisters and they are all such great friends. I can't wait to see who the next book is about. I missed book four, Savy and Glen's story. I didn't even realize it until I was sitting down to write this review. I will need to remedy that ASAP!
The Hazards of Sleeping with a Friend is Kyle and Jade's story. I really like Jade and Kyle. If you have read the series, you will remember Kyle best from Juliet's story (book 1) as Dylan's younger and much nicer brother. I am so glad that Kyle was finally getting his story. And as the story went on, I really felt connected to him. I loved that we got to learn so much about his background. I think I connected more with him than with Jade. And that is saying something because Jade is such a sweetheart. But I just wanted to shake her. She didn't seem to value herself at all, and it just broke my heart. I didn't get why she continued to hold back so much. But that is all part of Kyle and her journey for you to discover.
Alyssa Rose Ivy is the queen of fun, lighthearted romances. Sure, there are issues and roadblocks for the characters, but at the end of the day, you know that you are getting a good feel good romance, and I just love that. She is one of my go-to authors for this. And the Hazards series is a great series. I have honestly loved all of the books, and I hope that there are a ton more for me to enjoy! I like how interconnected the characters are throughout the series.
Other books in the Hazards series:
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Dark and Twisted Games is Book One in the Hearts of Faeylon series, a young adult paranormal series. It is a series that has different paranormal creatures and it will appeal to fans of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. I really enjoyed Dark and Twisted Games. It reminded me how much I love this sub genre of paranormal's. I want to read more! And the cliffhanger at the end is a humdinger! It even said "the end" and I about screamed until I looked on goodreads and saw that this was only the first book in the series. So don't worry- there will be more!
The main character Eden is a like a breath of fresh air. She is nothing like the popular girl or any kind of "typical" ya heroine. She is stubborn, doesn't take crap from anyone, but is one of the most genuinely nice girls I have seen in a while. I loved the scene with her and her classmate in gym class. You just don't see unselfish acts of kindness like that enough.
Eden knows something is up with the two new foster guys, Cardalian and Jaxson, but it was kind of comical how far off she was. I don't blame her, in the same circumstances I would have drawn a similar conclusion. Heidi Acosta does a great job with all of the characters. I do wish we got a little more of a glimpse inside Jaxson's head, but I have a feeling that will be coming in the next book. Heidi throws twist after turn after blindside at the readers and I could hardly catch my breath. I couldn't put Dark and Twisted Games down. The book ended far to quickly for my liking. I want more right now!
Bottom Line: if you like YA paranormal romance, Dark and Twisted games should be on your to-read list. I think it is great!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Dark and Twisted Games is Book One in the Hearts of Faeylon series, a young adult paranormal series. It is a series that has different paranormal creatures and it will appeal to fans of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. I really enjoyed Dark and Twisted Games. It reminded me how much I love this sub genre of paranormal's. I want to read more! And the cliffhanger at the end is a humdinger! It even said "the end" and I about screamed until I looked on goodreads and saw that this was only the first book in the series. So don't worry- there will be more!The main character Eden is a like a breath of fresh air. She is nothing like the popular girl or any kind of "typical" ya heroine. She is stubborn, doesn't take crap from anyone, but is one of the most genuinely nice girls I have seen in a while. I loved the scene with her and her classmate in gym class. You just don't see unselfish acts of kindness like that enough.
Eden knows something is up with the two new foster guys, Cardalian and Jaxson, but it was kind of comical how far off she was. I don't blame her, in the same circumstances I would have drawn a similar conclusion. Heidi Acosta does a great job with all of the characters. I do wish we got a little more of a glimpse inside Jaxson's head, but I have a feeling that will be coming in the next book. Heidi throws twist after turn after blindside at the readers and I could hardly catch my breath. I couldn't put Dark and Twisted Games down. The book ended far to quickly for my liking. I want more right now!
Bottom Line: if you like YA paranormal romance, Dark and Twisted games should be on your to-read list. I think it is great!
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Foolproof is the second book in the new adult contemporary romance series called the Drexler University Series. I didn't know this when I first picked up the book. After digging around a bit on goodreads, I found out it was part of the series, but I was never lost while reading. Each book works as a standalone. There were a few instances where I wished that I had read the first book, Unethical, before I had read this one to get some background on the Payton and Blake stuff, especially to see where Jules tied into their whole relationship. But overall, it works well as a standalone with overlapping characters.
The thing that I really liked most about Foolproof is not only is it a fast paced, get your heart pumping romance between Jules and Ryan, but it is also a growing up/deciding-what-they-want-to-do-with-their-lives journey. Each one of them faces different struggles with the age old question, "What do I want to do when I grow up?" It was interesting to see both of them puzzle it out, and I really liked the way the author, Jennifer Blackwood, had each of the characters play off of each other. The relationship dynamics and friendship dynamics in this group were each unique and interesting.
Foolproof flies along at a brisk pace all thr way through. It is impossible to get bored of this storyline. I loved the little zingers and one liners that Jules and Ryan would thrown at one another, and I loved the notes they would pass at work. Their banter and quick wit kept both of them on their toes constantly. And I feel like that is just what they each needed. They kept one another engaged and interested at all times. It worked well for them.
Foolproof is a great book for fans of new adult that are kind of looking for a more mature coming of age story. Not the kind of coming of age that a teenager goes through, but the kind that an almost college grad goes through. A growing up, and becoming an adult story. Not to mention that it has a sizzling romance that will keep you on your toes, right along with Jules and Ryan.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Foolproof is the second book in the new adult contemporary romance series called the Drexler University Series. I didn't know this when I first picked up the book. After digging around a bit on goodreads, I found out it was part of the series, but I was never lost while reading. Each book works as a standalone. There were a few instances where I wished that I had read the first book, Unethical, before I had read this one to get some background on the Payton and Blake stuff, especially to see where Jules tied into their whole relationship. But overall, it works well as a standalone with overlapping characters.
The thing that I really liked most about Foolproof is not only is it a fast paced, get your heart pumping romance between Jules and Ryan, but it is also a growing up/deciding-what-they-want-to-do-with-their-lives journey. Each one of them faces different struggles with the age old question, "What do I want to do when I grow up?" It was interesting to see both of them puzzle it out, and I really liked the way the author, Jennifer Blackwood, had each of the characters play off of each other. The relationship dynamics and friendship dynamics in this group were each unique and interesting.
Foolproof flies along at a brisk pace all thr way through. It is impossible to get bored of this storyline. I loved the little zingers and one liners that Jules and Ryan would thrown at one another, and I loved the notes they would pass at work. Their banter and quick wit kept both of them on their toes constantly. And I feel like that is just what they each needed. They kept one another engaged and interested at all times. It worked well for them.
Foolproof is a great book for fans of new adult that are kind of looking for a more mature coming of age story. Not the kind of coming of age that a teenager goes through, but the kind that an almost college grad goes through. A growing up, and becoming an adult story. Not to mention that it has a sizzling romance that will keep you on your toes, right along with Jules and Ryan.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
If you guys remember my review of Karma last month, you will know that the book took me by complete surprise and made me fall in book love. I was so excited to get the second book as well that it pained me to put it on the bottom of my TBR pile. But my other review books gave me sad eyes, and so I reluctantly put it on the bottom anyway. But then the unspeakable (to a book blogger) happened. I was in the dreaded reading slump. It didn't matter what I picked up, I was uninterested. I can't even tell you how many books I picked up and put down 10-20 minutes later. So I started scrolling through my kindle and seeing what would catch my eye. (and can I just say how freeing this is when I normally have my book reading order set out for months in advance.) When I came to Jinxed, I got a huge smile on my face. Yes! This was just the book I was looking for. And boy oh boy am I glad that I ditched the TBR and went for this one instead. I loved it so much.
Jinxed picks up right where Karma left off, in the middle of this complex, yet so well thought out world. There are more players than ever in this universe, but we did get to learn more about the identity of some of the bad guys and even of Paddy! (kinda) I loved slipping back into the world where all of the cosmic forces are people, or creatures. I missed Karma and Fate and Lady Luck. Even Murphy and the Jinxs. They have all become friends to me at this point.
There is a lot more action going on in Jinxed than there was in Karma. Karma kind of already gained some of her footings so she could jump right into the fold. And yes, she made some stupid choices in this book, but I don't really fault her at all. Normally it annoys me to pieces when the main character listens to the threats of "don't tell anyone, or I will know." I think it is stupid and I pretty much always want them to involve someone else, but for the first time ever- I got it. The man karma was dealing with was seriously creepy and he did seem to know everything that went on with her. That would be enough to spook me into some bad decisions too.
But luckily, Karma had Fate. Oh my goodness, even through Fate's extremely tough exterior, you can see all the cracks that Karma has made in him. Fate does funny things to my heart. I just love him. I love how gruff he is and most of all, I love how determined he is to be there for Karma. It is so strange because he is not the romantic, sweet, or cuddly type at all. He doesn't even really have a marshmallow center, but he has this quiet sweetness about him. You know he cares. And I can't get enough of him. He makes my list of favorite book boyfriends.
The Karma series is one of my favorite Urban Fantasies, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres to read. I love the world. I could go on and on about all the things I love about this series. I didn't even get to talk about the guard or about cupid. (both of which I want to see more of in the next book.) But the world is extremely well done and different than what is out there. I love how unique Donna Augustine's take on the universe is. And the sizzle between Fate and Karma is out of this world. Everyone needs to read this series.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
If you guys remember my review of Karma last month, you will know that the book took me by complete surprise and made me fall in book love. I was so excited to get the second book as well that it pained me to put it on the bottom of my TBR pile. But my other review books gave me sad eyes, and so I reluctantly put it on the bottom anyway. But then the unspeakable (to a book blogger) happened. I was in the dreaded reading slump. It didn't matter what I picked up, I was uninterested. I can't even tell you how many books I picked up and put down 10-20 minutes later. So I started scrolling through my kindle and seeing what would catch my eye. (and can I just say how freeing this is when I normally have my book reading order set out for months in advance.) When I came to Jinxed, I got a huge smile on my face. Yes! This was just the book I was looking for. And boy oh boy am I glad that I ditched the TBR and went for this one instead. I loved it so much.
Jinxed picks up right where Karma left off, in the middle of this complex, yet so well thought out world. There are more players than ever in this universe, but we did get to learn more about the identity of some of the bad guys and even of Paddy! (kinda) I loved slipping back into the world where all of the cosmic forces are people, or creatures. I missed Karma and Fate and Lady Luck. Even Murphy and the Jinxs. They have all become friends to me at this point.
There is a lot more action going on in Jinxed than there was in Karma. Karma kind of already gained some of her footings so she could jump right into the fold. And yes, she made some stupid choices in this book, but I don't really fault her at all. Normally it annoys me to pieces when the main character listens to the threats of "don't tell anyone, or I will know." I think it is stupid and I pretty much always want them to involve someone else, but for the first time ever- I got it. The man karma was dealing with was seriously creepy and he did seem to know everything that went on with her. That would be enough to spook me into some bad decisions too.
But luckily, Karma had Fate. Oh my goodness, even through Fate's extremely tough exterior, you can see all the cracks that Karma has made in him. Fate does funny things to my heart. I just love him. I love how gruff he is and most of all, I love how determined he is to be there for Karma. It is so strange because he is not the romantic, sweet, or cuddly type at all. He doesn't even really have a marshmallow center, but he has this quiet sweetness about him. You know he cares. And I can't get enough of him. He makes my list of favorite book boyfriends.
The Karma series is one of my favorite Urban Fantasies, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres to read. I love the world. I could go on and on about all the things I love about this series. I didn't even get to talk about the guard or about cupid. (both of which I want to see more of in the next book.) But the world is extremely well done and different than what is out there. I love how unique Donna Augustine's take on the universe is. And the sizzle between Fate and Karma is out of this world. Everyone needs to read this series.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Love me to Death is the first book in the Adult Paranormal Romance Underveil Series. I loved Love Me To Death. It has everything that I want in a paranormal…tons of different creatures living in a well developed and planned out world, with magic thrown in and a kicking romance to boot. What more could a girl want. Plus if the romance has a forbidden aspect to it, that is a total bonus! I became kind of obsessed with this book. It felt like it was a little on the longer end, which is not a bad thing….at all. But I didn’t read it in one sitting. So every time I would have to put it down to tend to real life things, I would watch myself gazing longingly at my kindle, or my thoughts would drift back towards the book while I was at work. Love me To Death was not good for my everyday life concentration, but as a book and as a reader, I love that it made me so absorbed in its’ pages.
The basic setup of the world is that there are these enforcers, called Slayers that are meant to protect the Underveil as well as the human world from evil creatures. Vampires are one such evil creature. So when Nikolai is sent to take out a human that will soon embrace her evil side, he feels a strange sense of confliction that only gets worse the longer he is around her. I loved the progression that Nikolai and Elena went through. Everything felt so natural. Nothing was rushed or felt out of place with them. They each battled their own emotions and I thought that even with something that has the potential for insta-love- like a soul bond that formed pretty early on in the book, there was no insta-love. I think I was the most impressed with how Marissa Clarke handled the romance.
There is a so much going on in Love Me To Death. Nikolai and Elena find themselves in the center of a quickly brewing war of the worlds. I was impressed with how much Marissa Clarke fit into this first installment in the Underveil series. I did, however, feel like there was a bit too much going on at the end of the book. It was like a huge cluster of action everywhere you turned. I wish that part was just slowed down a tiny bit and spread out more. But that is my only complaint of the whole story. I am completely obsessed with Nikolai and Elena. I can’t get enough of the two of them. I want the second book right now! Readers of adult paranormal romances and fans of books that feature lots of different creatures, then this is the book for you. You need to read the Underveil series, if you haven’t already. It is one of the good ones!
The basic setup of the world is that there are these enforcers, called Slayers that are meant to protect the Underveil as well as the human world from evil creatures. Vampires are one such evil creature. So when Nikolai is sent to take out a human that will soon embrace her evil side, he feels a strange sense of confliction that only gets worse the longer he is around her. I loved the progression that Nikolai and Elena went through. Everything felt so natural. Nothing was rushed or felt out of place with them. They each battled their own emotions and I thought that even with something that has the potential for insta-love- like a soul bond that formed pretty early on in the book, there was no insta-love. I think I was the most impressed with how Marissa Clarke handled the romance.
There is a so much going on in Love Me To Death. Nikolai and Elena find themselves in the center of a quickly brewing war of the worlds. I was impressed with how much Marissa Clarke fit into this first installment in the Underveil series. I did, however, feel like there was a bit too much going on at the end of the book. It was like a huge cluster of action everywhere you turned. I wish that part was just slowed down a tiny bit and spread out more. But that is my only complaint of the whole story. I am completely obsessed with Nikolai and Elena. I can’t get enough of the two of them. I want the second book right now! Readers of adult paranormal romances and fans of books that feature lots of different creatures, then this is the book for you. You need to read the Underveil series, if you haven’t already. It is one of the good ones!
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
4.5/5 gavels
#Nerd is the first book in the #hastag Series, which is a new adult series that mostly focuses on the same couple! Do you even know how exciting that is? I don't have to say goodbye to Rimmel and Romeo just yet. They have at least two more books about them. I love that. The books are told in dual narrative between Rimmel and Romeo. I love the name Rimmel, by the way. Romeo is the star football player, and Rimmel is a scholarship girl who seems to only study and volunteer at the animal shelter. She is forced to tutor him and he is forced to go to tutoring three days a week. Throw in a secret fraternity initiation challenge for Romeo where he has to use Rimmel in some way, and it looks like you have a typical new adult "bet" story. But I would implore you to look past that, because I normally find those books enjoyable, but very predictable. #Nerd was not like that. It handles the situation in a very different way, and I really liked that.
The hashtag series idea is so great, and I am honestly surprised this is the first time we are seeing it. (or at least the first time I am) There is a campus wide app that every student seems to have to get school updates and info called Alpha Buzz. But there is one person called the Buzz Boss that seemed like gossip girl. They were always texting the latest gossip and the hastags they used were so funny. There are little #AlphaBuzz texts at the start of each chapter. It was a great addition to the story. If anything, the texts showed me just how popular Romeo was to this school. Everyone seemed to know everything about him, and most of the buzz boss' texts seem to center around him. I wish we found out who the buzz boss was.
Rimmel is a great girl. I felt so bad for her that she really didn't have anyone. She moved from out of state, so she didn't have her father, and between studying, and her animal shelter work she didn't make any time to make any friends. Her roommate actually ended up pleasantly surprising me. Rimmel is shy, and you know she is haunted by something in her past, but we don't find out just what for a while. It was nice to see her finally get close to someone and slowly let her guard down. Romeo really took the time and effort to get to know her. And to me, it never really was about the initiation. I'm not telling you more than that, you just have to read and experience it for yourself.
Romeo was a breath of fresh air for me. He has this gooey marshmellow center that I love so much when it came to Rimmel. I loved that she brought out his tender side without either of them really even noticing. It was effortless between the two of them, and I am so excited that this is only the start of their story. I really liked Heven and Hell series by Cambria Hebert and now that I have gotten a taste of what her new adult contemporary is like, I really, really want to read her take it off series. If you like new adult, you will really enjoy the hashtag series. #IKnowIt #ReadItLoveIt
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
4.5/5 gavels
#Nerd is the first book in the #hastag Series, which is a new adult series that mostly focuses on the same couple! Do you even know how exciting that is? I don't have to say goodbye to Rimmel and Romeo just yet. They have at least two more books about them. I love that. The books are told in dual narrative between Rimmel and Romeo. I love the name Rimmel, by the way. Romeo is the star football player, and Rimmel is a scholarship girl who seems to only study and volunteer at the animal shelter. She is forced to tutor him and he is forced to go to tutoring three days a week. Throw in a secret fraternity initiation challenge for Romeo where he has to use Rimmel in some way, and it looks like you have a typical new adult "bet" story. But I would implore you to look past that, because I normally find those books enjoyable, but very predictable. #Nerd was not like that. It handles the situation in a very different way, and I really liked that.
The hashtag series idea is so great, and I am honestly surprised this is the first time we are seeing it. (or at least the first time I am) There is a campus wide app that every student seems to have to get school updates and info called Alpha Buzz. But there is one person called the Buzz Boss that seemed like gossip girl. They were always texting the latest gossip and the hastags they used were so funny. There are little #AlphaBuzz texts at the start of each chapter. It was a great addition to the story. If anything, the texts showed me just how popular Romeo was to this school. Everyone seemed to know everything about him, and most of the buzz boss' texts seem to center around him. I wish we found out who the buzz boss was.
Rimmel is a great girl. I felt so bad for her that she really didn't have anyone. She moved from out of state, so she didn't have her father, and between studying, and her animal shelter work she didn't make any time to make any friends. Her roommate actually ended up pleasantly surprising me. Rimmel is shy, and you know she is haunted by something in her past, but we don't find out just what for a while. It was nice to see her finally get close to someone and slowly let her guard down. Romeo really took the time and effort to get to know her. And to me, it never really was about the initiation. I'm not telling you more than that, you just have to read and experience it for yourself.
Romeo was a breath of fresh air for me. He has this gooey marshmellow center that I love so much when it came to Rimmel. I loved that she brought out his tender side without either of them really even noticing. It was effortless between the two of them, and I am so excited that this is only the start of their story. I really liked Heven and Hell series by Cambria Hebert and now that I have gotten a taste of what her new adult contemporary is like, I really, really want to read her take it off series. If you like new adult, you will really enjoy the hashtag series. #IKnowIt #ReadItLoveIt
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Rewind To You is a heart-breakingly emotional story about forgiveness and loss and love. I expected it to be a happy go lucky summer romance, and while the romance was sweet and adorable, there are much deeper and darker emotions at play for many of the characters in the story. There is a lot going on in this story and it will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I really loved the setting of Rewind to You. I have always wanted to visit Tybee Island in Georgia, and the book had the characters visiting all parts of the island and it made me want to go even more.
Sienna doesn't want to be back on Tybee island. She always used to come here with her father, and now he is gone. This book is a tough journey for Sienna. I really felt for her. And while I didn't always like the choices she made when it came to how she dealt with the Kyle and Austin situation, it is really hard not to like this girl. She is a total sweetheart. Laura Johnston does a fantastic job making you fall in love with her characters. And as much as I liked Sienna, I freakin' loved Austin. This guy is a white knight if I ever saw one. He has his own issues to deal with of course, but with Sienna he was so wonderful. Honestly, his only downfall is that he was going to be a Gator football player and not a seminole. ;) I will forgive him for this lapse in judgement because I loved him oh so much.
Rewind to You is an onion of a story. And by that of course I mean that it has so many layers. You cannot possibly predict everything that Laura is going to throw at you. It was so nice to see a fresh plotline and story progression. Not to mention I am kind of in love with Laura's writing. It is beautiful and fresh, and very very moving. I loved Sienna's "rewind" moments with her dad, and I loved even more when Austin made his way into her moments. For so much of the story Sienna takes main stage, even during Austin's point of view chapters. But about 70% through the book, the focus shifts in such an unexpected way and Austin is in the spotlight for a while with some of his demons and issues. I loved that both characters had their moments in the story. It felt very complete because of that.
Rewind to You is a fantastic young adult book. It has it all and it does it all so very well. Romance, heartbreak, loss, growth. You really can't ask for more with a book. Laura Johnston created a little master piece in this otherwise unassuming young adult contemporary. If you are thinking that it is just like all the other young adult and new adult contemporaries, stop right now! It isn't. This one is special. And I think Laura Johnston is an author to look out for. If this is what she did with her first book, I can't wait to see what else she is going to write.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Rewind To You is a heart-breakingly emotional story about forgiveness and loss and love. I expected it to be a happy go lucky summer romance, and while the romance was sweet and adorable, there are much deeper and darker emotions at play for many of the characters in the story. There is a lot going on in this story and it will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I really loved the setting of Rewind to You. I have always wanted to visit Tybee Island in Georgia, and the book had the characters visiting all parts of the island and it made me want to go even more.
Sienna doesn't want to be back on Tybee island. She always used to come here with her father, and now he is gone. This book is a tough journey for Sienna. I really felt for her. And while I didn't always like the choices she made when it came to how she dealt with the Kyle and Austin situation, it is really hard not to like this girl. She is a total sweetheart. Laura Johnston does a fantastic job making you fall in love with her characters. And as much as I liked Sienna, I freakin' loved Austin. This guy is a white knight if I ever saw one. He has his own issues to deal with of course, but with Sienna he was so wonderful. Honestly, his only downfall is that he was going to be a Gator football player and not a seminole. ;) I will forgive him for this lapse in judgement because I loved him oh so much.
Rewind to You is an onion of a story. And by that of course I mean that it has so many layers. You cannot possibly predict everything that Laura is going to throw at you. It was so nice to see a fresh plotline and story progression. Not to mention I am kind of in love with Laura's writing. It is beautiful and fresh, and very very moving. I loved Sienna's "rewind" moments with her dad, and I loved even more when Austin made his way into her moments. For so much of the story Sienna takes main stage, even during Austin's point of view chapters. But about 70% through the book, the focus shifts in such an unexpected way and Austin is in the spotlight for a while with some of his demons and issues. I loved that both characters had their moments in the story. It felt very complete because of that.
Rewind to You is a fantastic young adult book. It has it all and it does it all so very well. Romance, heartbreak, loss, growth. You really can't ask for more with a book. Laura Johnston created a little master piece in this otherwise unassuming young adult contemporary. If you are thinking that it is just like all the other young adult and new adult contemporaries, stop right now! It isn't. This one is special. And I think Laura Johnston is an author to look out for. If this is what she did with her first book, I can't wait to see what else she is going to write.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Tempting Sydney is a great read. Plain and simple. It is a satisfying romance that was extremely well executed. It is a new adult romance. I thought it was a standalone, but it is actually the first book in the Tempting series. If I had to guess, each book would be act as a standalone and be about a different group of characters. If the rest of the series is anything like Tempting Sydney, the rest of the books are going to be fantastic as well. Told in dual narrative between Sydney and Jax, this book is all about character development. You know that is right up my alley.
Sydney and Jax are not initially what you would think would work as a couple, but the closer you look at the two of them, the more you get it. Both of them are completely scared of relationships for very different reasons. In some ways they very different- Sydney is so by the book and structured and Jax is more spontaneous and in the moment, but in others they are so similar- they are both super stubborn to a fault.
There are so many things that I loved about Tempting Sydney. I loved the chemistry and connection that so clearly existed between Sydney and Jax, and I loved their back and forth flirting. These two just made you smile and your pulse pick up a few beats. Jax is the king of the innuendo, and I liked it....a lot. But past that, he is surprisingly caring. The way he looked out for Sydney was so touching.
The secondary characters were good too, but for me it was all about Jax and Sydney. I couldn't put this book down, and when Sydney was on a date with another guy, I was mad at her! That normally doesn't happen for me. I really liked Sydney, but I liked her and Jax together more than I liked them individually. Initially, I thought that Sydney was going to have more of the issues to work through, but Jax's past was dark and debilitating to him. Angela Corbett does a fantastic job of delving into each characters backstory and making the reader completely understand and empathize with why they are acting the way they are acting. I loved watching these two grow individually and seeing how it led them together.
If you like new adult contemporary romance, Tempting Sydney is a book that you don't want to miss. You will love the chemistry and banter between Sydney and Jax. You won't be able to put this one down. I know I couldn't. It is the kind of book that makes you smile and makes you want to go pick up every other romance that the author has written so you can fall in love with some of her other characters.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Tempting Sydney is a great read. Plain and simple. It is a satisfying romance that was extremely well executed. It is a new adult romance. I thought it was a standalone, but it is actually the first book in the Tempting series. If I had to guess, each book would be act as a standalone and be about a different group of characters. If the rest of the series is anything like Tempting Sydney, the rest of the books are going to be fantastic as well. Told in dual narrative between Sydney and Jax, this book is all about character development. You know that is right up my alley.
Sydney and Jax are not initially what you would think would work as a couple, but the closer you look at the two of them, the more you get it. Both of them are completely scared of relationships for very different reasons. In some ways they very different- Sydney is so by the book and structured and Jax is more spontaneous and in the moment, but in others they are so similar- they are both super stubborn to a fault.
There are so many things that I loved about Tempting Sydney. I loved the chemistry and connection that so clearly existed between Sydney and Jax, and I loved their back and forth flirting. These two just made you smile and your pulse pick up a few beats. Jax is the king of the innuendo, and I liked it....a lot. But past that, he is surprisingly caring. The way he looked out for Sydney was so touching.
The secondary characters were good too, but for me it was all about Jax and Sydney. I couldn't put this book down, and when Sydney was on a date with another guy, I was mad at her! That normally doesn't happen for me. I really liked Sydney, but I liked her and Jax together more than I liked them individually. Initially, I thought that Sydney was going to have more of the issues to work through, but Jax's past was dark and debilitating to him. Angela Corbett does a fantastic job of delving into each characters backstory and making the reader completely understand and empathize with why they are acting the way they are acting. I loved watching these two grow individually and seeing how it led them together.
If you like new adult contemporary romance, Tempting Sydney is a book that you don't want to miss. You will love the chemistry and banter between Sydney and Jax. You won't be able to put this one down. I know I couldn't. It is the kind of book that makes you smile and makes you want to go pick up every other romance that the author has written so you can fall in love with some of her other characters.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs