Review- Marrow by Tarryn Fisher

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In the Bone there is a house.

In the house there is a girl.

In the girl there is a darkness.

Margo is not like other girls. She lives in a derelict neighborhood called the Bone, in a cursed house, with her cursed mother, who hasn’t spoken to her in over two years. She lives her days feeling invisible. It’s not until she develops a friendship with her wheelchair-bound neighbor, Judah Grant, that things begin to change. When neighborhood girl, seven-year-old Nevaeh Anthony, goes missing, Judah sets out to help Margo uncover what happened to her.

What Margo finds changes her, and with a new perspective on life, she’s determined to find evil and punish it–targeting rapists and child molesters, one by one.

But hunting evil is dangerous, and Margo risks losing everything, including her own soul.

BFF A Review

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Meet Margo.

Someone who has endured a lot in her life. A lot of pain, little love, a lot of lonely, little comforting. I believe there is a part of Margo in all of us, whether we choose to see it or not. Maybe our experiences in life relate to Margo’s experiences, I hope not. Margo is strong, she is confident, she is controlling. Maybe we wish we could do the things she does, though none of us should, we still think it. Margo seeks revenge. Margo wants to make things right. Margo wants others to feel safe and secure- so she takes action. Margo needs love and acceptance and she finds it in the most peculiar, mind twisting way.

Tarryn is a writing genius. She has a way of writing that pulls you in. I connected with Marrow even when I thought I shouldn’t. The story is intense, twisted, dark, and suspenseful. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Tarryn slammed me with the biggest shock of all. Marrow will get to you, get to the core of your beliefs. It will break your heart, it will make you think. It will make you cry when you think of the struggles that people deal with daily, because sadly there are parts of this that are real for so many. I am left in awe. I am left wanting so much more.

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About the Author

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Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of six novels. Her newest novel, Marrow, just released in April 2015 and she is currently working on the second installment of Never Never. She is the co-founder of Clothed Caption, a fashion blog she runs with her friend, Madison Seidler. Tarryn resides in the Seattle area with her family. She loves rainy days, Coke, and thinks Instagram is the new Facebook. Tarryn is represented by Amy Tannenbaum of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

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Review – Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

BFF K’s Review

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Catching Cassidy is a wonderful NA, coming-of-age novel that has all the feels! Wyatt is a fantastic young hero. He’s kind, considerate, compassionate and loyal. Wyatt and his twin sister Delilah loose their parents in a sudden tragedy the night of their college graduation. He and Delilah bring their best friend Cassidy with them to Harborside for the summer. Wyatt struggles to ensure that Delialah and Cassidy are ok while at the same time trying to figure out his own role and place in this new reality.

There is an angst-filled, push and pull as Cassidy and Wyatt try to deny their growing attraction for the sake of their friendship. Factor into that: job uncertainties, family dynamics, a colorful cast of friends and an idyllic summer setting and you have the makings of a really wonderful NA story.

I am loving all of the characters in Harborside. I really enjoyed the way that Melissa Foster described the group of “summer friends” and we got a glimpse into the personalities and lives of all of them. I feel invested now in the whole group and I’m looking forward to reading the series so I can catch up with all of them! This is a quality series that I think you’ll really really like!

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**An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author

Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

 

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Review – Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

While performing the greatest love story of all time, they discovered one of their own…

Cassie Taylor was just another acting student with big dreams at her prestigious performing arts college, then she met Ethan Holt. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy on campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing on stage, Cassie and Ethan’s epic romance seemed destined. Until it ended in tragedy when he shattered her heart.Now they’ve made it to Broadway where they’re reunited as romantic leads once again, and their passionate scenes force them to confront the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their intense college affair. For Ethan, losing Cassie was his biggest regret, and he’s determined to redeem himself. But for Cassie, even though Ethan was her first and only great love, he hurt her too much to ever be trusted again. The trouble is, working with him reminds her that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks. And when it comes to love, sometimes it’s the things that aren’t good for us that are the most irresistible.
Don’t miss the intoxicating romance beloved by over two million fans online–a story that will captivate you and hold you breathless until the final page.

BFF K’s 6-Rated Review

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As you can obviously tell by this rare-6-rating, I absolutely LOVE Bad Romeo! I don’t even know where to begin to describe how much I love this story and the characters. The writing, the feel, the pace, everything about it is perfection! The book is written part in present day and part in flashbacks, but it is seamless and impeccable storytelling.

Cassie Taylor and Ethan Holt are amazing. There is so much to identify with and love about both of these characters. They are deep and complex. Cassie is sweet but tough. She’s kind and open but conflicted and driven to succeed. Throughout the book, I cheered for Cassie and celebrated her growth. I want her to find love with Ethan, but more than anything, I want her to be whole and happy. And Holt. OMG – Holt. He is broken and closed off, but endearing in a way that few characters are. He wants to be better, but doesn’t know how and doesn’t know that he deserves better. You want so much for him to find forgiveness and redemption.

The cast of supporting characters is fantastic, richly developed and integral to the storyline. The settings are interesting and unique.

This book gave me all the feels! I had butterflies and that feeling of excitement and love that builds in your chest as you read a really wonderful romance story. I laughed and raged and teared up and celebrated and swooned with the characters. Everything about the book is splendid. It is absolutely a MUST READ and I can’t wait to finish the story of Cassie and Ethan in Broken Juliet which releases this week!

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**Side note – I did a combo read and listen for this book. The written version is terrific and the audio version is probably the BEST audiobook that I have listened to in a VERY long time! If you enjoy audiobooks, this is a must-listen!

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About the Author

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and her debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014. The sequel, BROKEN JULIET, will be available in April 2015.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three judgemental cats, and a kangaroo named Howard. (*NB: Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.*)

Review – There You Stand by Christina Lee

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York–so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery–and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him–whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long–and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

Includes a preview of Christina Lee’s upcoming adult romance Two of Hearts.

BFF K’s Review

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Full Disclosure – this was my first M/M book. I was a little apprehensive going in, not sure what I could expect from the characters or the storyline. Christina Lee’s book proves to me that romance, interesting characters, unique story lines and good dialogue make a great book a great book regardless of the genre.

I really loved this book! I was immediately drawn into Cory and Jude’s story. I found myself cheering for both of them and their burgeoning relationship. Cory and Jude both have damaged and difficult pasts. They struggle to come to terms with their pasts both independently and as a couple. They also work together to create a shared future.

The book was a super quick read, sweet and a little steamy. Lee threw in a couple of unexpected plot twists, good supporting characters, and just enough romance and angst to keep me flipping the pages. I will definitely read more from Christina Lee and I will not be afraid to try a M/M book in the future!

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GIVEAWAY

One Winner to receive the following: $10 gift card to the book retailer of their choice = An ARC of my adult romance releasing May 5th, TWO OF HEARTS, and some Between Breaths swag mailed.
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About the Author

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys.

She’s addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Author of the Between Breaths series from Penguin. ALL OF YOU, BEFORE YOU BREAK, WHISPER TO ME and PROMISE ME THIS available now. Book five in the series, THERE YOU STAND, coming in April, 2015.

Also, her Adult Contemporary Romance, TWO OF HEARTS is releasing on May 5th, 2015.

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Review – The Phoenix Campaign by Heidi Joy Tretheway

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Ambition. Lust. Sacrifice. Politics just got a whole lot sexier.
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Grace Colton’s life is a blur—security, appearances, and a desperately fast ramp-up to Election Day. Political consultant Jared Rankin is pulling the strings to win the White House with the Conover-Colton ticket.

But the fragile relationship Grace and Jared forged could be ruined by secrets traded for political leverage. She’s hiding her new relationship with Jared from the public, and concealing a deeper secret from everyone.

When Grace reveals the explosive truth to her running mate, squeaky-clean Senator Conover must confront his own haunted past. Grace’s future—and their campaign—could be ruined by the lies meant to protect what they love most.

Peek behind the curtain and under the covers in this sexy political drama that exposes the true cost of ambition, lust and sacrifice.
The Phoenix Campaign is an erotic romance set in the world of presidential election politics. Recommended for mature readers due to sharp dialogue, wickedly hot sex, and a few delicious taboos. This full-length novel is second in a series but can be read as a standalone.

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The Phoenix Candidate:

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BFF K’s Review

 

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I love a book that reads like a movie or mini-series and that’s just what I feel when I read The Grace Colton novels by Heidi Joy Tretheway. When said book contains smart political dialogue, interesting political strategy, unexpected plot twists, great characters and some super steamy scenes — sign me up! This book caused some serious sleep deprivation. I was up late 2 nights in a row anxiously turning the pages to see what happens next for Grace and Jared. Heidi Joy Tretheway’s  sharp and savvy writing absolutely captures the feel and flow of a real-life political campaign!

I won’t go into many of the plot details because that would be super spoilery for anyone who hasn’t yet read Book #1, The Phoenix Candidate. The Phoenix Campaign – Book #2 picks up right where the first one left off. Grace finds herself in a HUGE, high profile, heated political campaign. At the same time, she finds herself in a huge, SECRET and heated relationship with a top political strategist. The tug and pull of everything in her life creates a wonderful, angst-driven story where you just want there to be resolution….soon.

If you like politics at all, even a little bit, this is the series for you! I’m loving Grace and Jared and honestly can’t wait to read The Phoenix Decision to see what happens next!

Read BFF K’s Review of The Phoenix Candidate.

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Now I can’t wait until The Phoenix Decision!!!

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About the Author:

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Heidi Joy is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.

Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, chefs, and detectives, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her eighth book from her home in Portland, Oregon. She adores hearing from readers at author.heidi@gmail.com.

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Review – Attraction by Penny Reid

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Attraction
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #1
Also in this series: Elements of Chemistry: Attraction, Heat, Capture
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, New Adult, Romance

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Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION is the first part in a three part series; it is 45k words; and it ends with a cliffhanger.
Part 1 (ATTRACTION) will be released April 9, 2015
Part 2 (HEAT) will be released April 30, 2015.
Part 3 (CAPTURE) will be released May 16, 2015.

One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.

Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family’s billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.

When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

BFF K’s Review

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Sent to Penny Reid immediately upon finishing Part 1 – Attraction.

To: Penny Reid

From: BFF K

RE: Groveling

I am sending you this message in desperation. I am begging, pleading, imploring, coaxing, desperately requesting an ARC for Heat. I was one of the very, very, very lucky folks to receive an ARC for Attraction at ABF. I was able to start, and finish, Attraction this afternoon. And, I can’t wait. I am beside myself needing to know what happens next.

While I am grateful for the first chapter of Heat in the back of the ARC, (I don’t think my heart could have handled the cliffhanger without it.) I need more. I need to know what happens with Martin and Kaitlyn. I just gushed to my blogging partner about how amazing this book is. It is really all of the reasons that I love to read romance books. I need to know what happens. I can’t wait.

I feel like I have very little to offer you in exchange for said ARC. Would undying love and devotion suffice? I contemplated offering my first-born child. But….he’s the only-child and adopted; and I’m not sure if that meets the standard definitions for first-born. Plus, he’s pretty cool and I think I would miss him after a few days…..Even if I have to wait (many more torturous days), I will still look forward to reading Heat and Capture. You’re such a talented writer and I’m looking forward to more great stories!

Cheers,

BFF K – BFF Book Blog

Yes, I was that desperate! I wanted the next book so badly I couldn’t stand it. This book is phenomenal! Penny Reid is a fantastic writer. She writes complex, interesting, intelligent, quirky and engaging characters that pull you into their lives and their stories.

I called BFF A practically shaking after I finished Attraction. I told her, “this is why I read romance novels.” Ahhhh – Kaitlyn Parker is so smart and charming and endearing and wonderful. Martin Sandeke is complicated and worthy of a little redemption. I want to climb in their story and live in the pages. I had butterflies and goosebumps and other animal-ish reactions! I was laughing out loud and grinning like a crazy person!

Attraction left me clamoring for more of Kaitlyn and Martin’s story! I’m aching to know what happens next and how they can resolve their issues to find a Happily Ever After in their own unconventional way.

Do yourself a favor and read this book! Do your friends a favor and tell them to read this book! I can’t wait to hear what you think about each of the books in this series!

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PS – To prove her awesomeness, I received HEAT within a few days of my shameless email request, because the evil-overlord is super cool like that!

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Here are the Amazon links to Pre-Order Heat and Capture. After you finish Attraction you’re going to want to do this ASAP!

About Penny Reid

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SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

 

Review – Better With Sugar by Katrina Kirkpatrick

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War veteran Ethan Quill’s horse doesn’t like people. And that’s okay because neither does he. Broken by their pasts and shunned by the community, they keep to themselves on Ethan’s rundown farm. And then along comes a brown-eyed baker who turns their world upside down.

Heiress by birth, optimist by heart, Elly Baptiste has left Manhattan behind and picked up her spatula in Cranefly, a quaint Adirondack town. She’s looking for love and finds the promise of something unexpectedly delicious with the local recluse. But how does a woman who’s running from life find happily ever with a man who’s hiding from it?

Elly knows sugar. Ethan knows war.
She knows sweet. He knows defeat.
When put to the test, can they prove that love and life really are better with sugar?

 

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BFF K’s Review

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Better with Sugar is both heart warming and heart breaking. The story of Elly and Ethan is one that will stay with me for awhile. It is not just a tale of romance between two complex characters, it is a journey of discovery and self-acceptance for both of them as well. Some parts of the book were almost hard to read because you could feel the tug and pull and longing for happiness inside of both Elly and Ethan. But, those emotions make the Happily Ever After so much sweeter. This debut novel by Katrina Kirkpatrick is well written and full of wonderful dialogue and imagery. I also loved the colorful cast of supporting characters (I’m hopeful that Naomi and Noah will get their Happily Ever After in a coming book.) I highly recommend this enjoyable and moving tale of redemption, affirmation and love.

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Purchase on Amazon

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Excerpt

The evocative creak of bedsprings jerked him into motion. He barely saw the floor in front of him as he moved through the apartment, his mind too busy imagining every curve on her body. The shape her mouth would take in pleasure.

He stopped in the doorway to the bedroom, her scent curled out like tiny fingers begging him into the space. But for a moment, he just stood.

The moon had already set, chased from the sky by a sunrise that wasn’t even yet discernible. It left the room a part of the night, only as well-lit as the stars were pale, but the white of her bedspread glowed like snow on a winter landscape. She had already disappeared under it, now just the vague outline of a body.

Her naked body.

Every cell in his body clenched tight.

Two dark pieces of cloth draped off the edge of the bed.

Her apron, his suit jacket.

There wouldn’t be any turning back after this.

Fear touched the back of his neck, driving a shiver down his spine. He’d none nothing the past few years but give everything up. Because if he hadn’t given it up—it would’ve been ripped from him anyway. And tonight was going to give him so much to lose.

Not just Elly, but himself.

Maybe she sensed his hesitation because she moved under the blanket, pulling it down just enough to reveal a ridiculous mass of hair and two round eyes that didn’t so much reflect the light as they did absorb it, feeding it into her creamy white skin until it seemed to glow. He meant to only go as close as the edge of the bed, but found himself pressing one knee on the mattress and leaning over her. Her eyes widened ever so slightly and the moment hung between them. This would be the end or the beginning.

About The Author

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A love of language led Katrina Kirkpatrick to a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois, a love of her babies led her to the illustrious title of Stay-At-Home-Mommy, and a never-ending, lifelong delight of storytelling led her to pursue publication. She infuses love with laughter because love might make the world go round, but laughter lights up the scenery.

She has two daughters who call her Mommy Queen, two dogs, two cats, lots of chickens and a husband happy to call this chaos home. They reside in central Illinois.

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Review – Dark Elements Series 1 & 2 by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BFF K’s Review

Dark Elements Series 1 and 2 and Prequel Novella

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BFF K has read and LOVED all of the books so far in the Dark Elements Series. She read Bitter Sweet Love and White Hot Kiss before the launch of the BFF Book Blog. Since she finished Stone Cold Touch this week, and the cover for Every Last Breath was revealed today, here’s a review of the series to date!

This is a wacky little series. It’s part paranormal, part romance, definitely NA and more than a little angsty! The series starts with a prequel novella – Bitter Sweet Kiss. This is a great introduction to the world that Jennifer Armentrout has created! You are introduced to the Wardens (gargoyles) and begin to understand the plights and fights for their species. You’ll get a glimpse at the demons they fight and a sweet little 2nd chance romance story!

Then, in White Hot Kiss, you’re introduced full-force to Layla. You get a glimpse into her life and understand the struggles she faces with a foot in two different worlds. Part Warden and part Demon, it’s like she’s constantly battling; sometimes that war happens inside of her. She wants Zayne, but he’s untouchable, literally. Layla struggles with the love and affection she feels for Zayne knowing that she can never truly have him. So, when she meets Roth – though he’s a demon – he seems to be a reasonable match for her. And, he’s smokin’ hot and completely adorable in a cocky, self-assured, gets-what-he-wants-kind of way! The cliffhanger ending will leave you reeling and totally crushing on the Demon Prince!

Stone Cold Touch starts off with a BIG surprise! And then the ANGST reaches whole new levels! Layla and Zayne explore all of the facets of their relationship even when doing so threatens the stability of their home, the trust of their clan and even their lives. Through all of this, there are new monsters to fight and secrets revealed.

Layla is a really outstanding NA character. She’s both bold and naive. It’s really fun to see her explore who she is and peel back all of the layers to discover her place in the world. She is also learning who she can trust and who really does have her back. Zayne is good and kind and loyal. I think he’s the definition of a white knight. I picture him as the ultimate defender and staunchest supporter that Layla could ever hope for. You want them to succeed as friends first, but also as a potential couple. In so many ways, they’re perfect for one another and their devotion is incredible! Then, there’s Roth…..ah Roth! He’s a sexy as f&*# demon, but that’s easy to overlook. You really want to skim right over that fact because in virtually every other way, he’s absolutely FANTASTIC.

I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, but in this case it works and I LOVE it! I am now dying to know who Layla ends up with and what the future holds for Layla, Zayne and Roth. (And, isn’t that the mark of a really great series, when you desperately CARE about what happens to the characters?!?) NOTE – the angst isn’t really a highly charged tear-filled-emotional kind of angst. It’s more of a suspenseful, who will she choose, it could go either way, kind of angst!

Jennifer L. Armentrout actually took a fan vote to see who readers want Layla to end up with. I’m dying to see if it’s Zayne or Roth. But, honestly – I’m pretty sure I’m Team Roth!

If you like an angsty, paranormal, new adult, romance – this series is DEFINITELY for you!

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And, I know Hero is here twice – one for Zayne and one for Roth! <3

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White Hot Kiss - New Cover

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WHITE HOT KISS synopsis:

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she’s anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she’s crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she’s not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn’t an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she’s the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Stone Cold Touch - New Cover

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STONE COLD TOUCH Synopsis:

Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

“Constantly entertaining…the narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance.”

Kirkus Reviews on White Hot Kiss

And the Prequel Novella, BITTER SWEET LOVE…

 

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BITTER SWEET LOVE Synopsis:

In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn’t just Jasmine’s crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn’t help that Jas’s father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he’s back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn’t taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…

“With her signature flare for combining humor, romance and action, Armentrout weaves a fast-paced read that will have readers’ hearts racing in more ways than one. Like Armentrout’s previous heroines, Jasmine is fun and full of attitude, while Dez is as snarky as he is sexy. This is a must read for new and old fans alike!” –RT Book Reviews

 

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Jennifer L. Armentrout/J.Lynn Bio:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads | EVERY LAST BREATH Goodreads | STONE COLD TOUCH Goodreads | WHITE HOT KISS Goodreads | BITTER SWEET LOVE Goodreads

 

Review – Sea of Stars by Amy A. Bartol

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

BFF K’s Review

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Everything I loved about Under Different Stars (Kricket as a kick-ass heroine, Trey as a super-swoony hero and the incredible world that Amy Bartol has created) builds in Sea of Stars. Sea of Stars is the 2nd book in Amy A. Bartol’s Kricket series and it seriously does NOT disappoint! I absolutely LOVED Under Different Stars and listed it among my 2014 Besties. I’m always a little nervous to read book #2 when I’ve loved the first book in a series so much. But, there is ZERO let-down with this book. The Kricket series confirms that paranormal romance is my favorite genre!

Sea of Stars barely gives you a chance to catch your breath from the stunning conclusion of book #1. Then, it races off at an incredible pace, full of the most heart-pumping, descriptive action sequences I’ve read since Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Just when you’re convinced that Kricket can’t take any more, and honestly – neither can you…..there’s some sweet relief.

And this is where Trey truly shines. He’s battling hard for one of the top spots on my book boyfriend list! Kricket and Trey’s relationship is on an epic scale. Their love, loyalty, and devotion to one another will have you highlighting and re-reading paragraphs and scenes. I am obsessed with them as individual characters and as a couple. All of the book’s characters are so well written. There is an entire cast of supporting characters with incredible stories and personalities. I feel as invested in all of them as I do in the main characters.

I will admit – through the first 40-50% of the book, I felt a little beat up and Sea of Stars definitely ends with a cliff hanger. But, it all builds up and spins into this incredible story that will have you flying through the pages faster than an escapee on a hover vehicle. One of my BFFs found this series and introduced me to the brilliance. After we finished Sea of Stars, we spent 40 minutes of our dinner date discussing the plot, our favorite characters and theories for what we think comes next for Kricket.

I also must gush about how much I love Amy Bartol’s writing style. Her incredible words glide off the page, bounce around in my brain, and make my heart race. I love Amy Bartol’s writing so much that I’m challenged to read other books. Few authors deliver the kind of detail, emotion, dialogue and depth that she brings to her books.

If you haven’t read Under Different Stars, start it NOW! And, be ready to dive into Sea of Stars immediately. Then we’ll all wait together for Darken the Stars, set to release in Fall 2015.

***Audio Note***

I have also listened to large parts of this book on Audible and it is fantastic as well. If you’re a fan of audio books, this is a must-have!

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Amazon Links to Purchase The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars – Book 1

Sea of Stars – Book 2

Sea of Stars: The Kricket Series, Book 2 – Book 2 on Audible

Darken the Stars – Book 3 Pre-Order

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About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

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Review – Confess by Colleen Hoover

At age twenty-one, Auburn Reed has already lost everything important to her. In her fight to rebuild her shattered life, she has her goals in sight and there is no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping a major secret from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

To save their relationship, all Owen needs to do is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.

BFF A’s Review

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OMG! Colleen has a crazy magical way of making a story come alive. The way she makes the story, the characters, the interwoven artwork, all come together- you feel like you are actually there. The characters felt like my best friends, like I knew every thing about them, yet wanted to know so much more.

I instantly loved Auburn because she stands up for what she wants. Auburn has faced many challenges in her young life; my heart ached for her. However, she does not let that stop her. She does whatever she can and what she believes is right to overcome the barriers set in front of her. Owen is sweet, he is kind, he is passionate. He knows too many secrets from strangers and has secrets of his own. To balance all that is in his mind, he paints…and OMG, what an amazing artist he is. (Artist, Danny O’Connor created paintings specifically for this book.) When Auburn stumbles into his life, we find there is a secret Owen holds. Their relationship is sweet, playful and fun. I loved the way Owen treated and protected Auburn. I couldn’t wait for the secrets to all come out. I was on the edge of each page wanting, no yelling and screaming at Owen to just tell Auburn the truth.

So many emotions come through when reading this book. There were a few twists in the story I wasn’t expecting, a few characters are just mean and evil. This adds depth to the heartache, but it also gave me some anxiety. I’ve never wanted to reach in and punch a character in a book so badly, but there were times I wish I could have. Confess has heartache, hurt, pain, anger, frustration but most of all there is love, and in the end, Love is what comes shining through.

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(Side note on the tears, that’s a guess. I’m not a crier so who the hell knows – for me- none…but the normal person, I’d say probably a 4.)

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Buy on Amazon

 

More About the Author:

Colleen Hoover’s love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled “Mystery Bob” and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest.
Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, “Slammed.” She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT’s bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT’s bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term “author” still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn’t work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting.

You can follow Colleen on Instagram and Twitter @colleenhoover. You can also find her on her blog at www.colleenhoover.com where she holds a daily book-a-day giveaway, or on her very active Facebook page at www.facebook.com/authorcolleenhoover where she loves to give away more free stuff when her husband isn’t looking.

Colleen also wants the world to know that writing short biographies in third person is incredibly awkward.