One With You (Crossfire #5) by Sylvia Day - Review

Blurb:

Gideon Cross. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I've ever done. It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably.

Marrying him was a dream come true. Staying married to him is the fight of my life. Love transforms. Ours is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one.

We have bared our deepest, ugliest secrets to one another. Gideon is the mirror that reflects all my flaws ... and all the beauty I couldn't see. He has given me everything. Now, I must prove I can be the rock, the shelter for him that he is for me. Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us.

But our greatest battle may lie within the very vows that give us strength. Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free ... or break us apart.

Heartbreakingly and seductively poignant, One with You is the breathlessly awaited finale to the Crossfire® saga, the searing love story that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.


Purchase Links: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1S2ynRw
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1qe1p7c
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1UPEzQA
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1UPDRCI
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01836U3VI

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

I remember the first time I had heard of Bared to You and Sylvia Day, I was standing in Dymmocks Bookstore, I was picking up the final book in the FSOG trilogy and the helpful sales assistant placed a copy of BTY in my hands, she strongly urged me to read it, it was a new release and was garnering great feedback from staff and customers alike, I added a copy to my sale and happily walked out the door. I had just rediscovered reading, the world of e-books and kindles was a brave new world, I was hooked, suddenly I didn't have to carry around paperbacks in my already heavy handbag, I could read on my phone...regardless of where I was, it was May 2012 and I was hooked. When I began BTY I was immediately captivated by Eva, she was sassy and charming and forthright, she was sexy and owned it, even in those first moments she had a clear idea of who she wanted to be, even if she wasn't quite there yet, and Gideon, boy Gideon, with his ink black hair, three piece suits (yes you're right Mr Cross...is there any other kind) and beguiling charisma I was intrigued, because I wanted, no I needed to know more. Despite owning the paperback, I downloaded the e-book version so I continue reading even when I had pressing matters like work and a husband and a business to attend to, now as I sit here writing this review, I can honestly say not only had my love for this pair grown in leaps and bounds, but so has my collection of both Australian and International covers of this series, but also my e-library, spanning across different platforms.

"I hadn't even known Eva was out there, had been afraid to even dream of finding the one person in the world who would accept and love every facet of me."

There are authors I will automatically drop everything for, there are series I will do the same, as I eagerly awaited the final instalment hitting my kindle, and my bookshelf, I found myself rereading my favourite lines, my favourite passages, reconnecting with Eva and Gideon, watching their growth both independently and together, seeing their relationship blossom despite the almost constant wave of trials they faced, on the surface the Crossfire series is about a billionaire business man and a young woman who is certainly not new to wealth and power, but when you pull back the layers there's something inherently beautiful here, there's two people who have lived through horrific, traumatic experiences, they've found ways to continue on, to continue living a life that while may have seemed fanciful on the outside somewhat of a bland existence in reality. While Ms Day's writing may be deliciously sexy, gripping and at time tumultuous, ultimately this is a love story, a grand, sweeping tale, of two people who have fought in every sense of the word, for their mental health and stability, for their pasts that can't be unwritten, for themselves but ultimately for each other, for a reader that thrives on living the journey not just relishing the destination, Crossfire has become a favourite that I will no doubt revisit time and time again.

"You fascinate the f*ck out of me, you know that? You're never boring. A lifetime alone with you wouldn't be long enough to figure you out."

What I found most thrilling in One With You was the noticeable changes in both Eva and Gideon, for many years both used sex as a way to claim back something that was lost, the lack of control they had in their earlier lives, the intense, almost soul deep connection was never in any doubt, their bond not in question, but where sex had become a salve previously we saw two people who found intimacy in their connection, where natural instincts begged them to shut down and back away, it was that pull, the magnetism, the siren call they seemed to elicit only for each other that led them back, time after time, heartache after heartbreak, and for each seemingly insurmountable obstacle that they overcame together, the stronger they became both independently and together.

"She hugged me so tightly I could hardly breath. But I didn't need air. I had her."

There were so many moments that I had to take a breath, set my book down and just smile, so may times across a series spanning five books that I sighed as my heart fluttered, knowing what was coming next only had the ability to tear them both down, apart, if they let it, what I loved most though was that this series, these characters have become friends, for almost four years I have cheered with Gideon and Eva's triumphs, have commiserated with their heartaches,  have swooned with every one of their romantic entanglements, saying goodbye to them is bittersweet, after so much time I almost don't want to let them go, the Crossfire series truly epitomises the old adage that life isn't about the destination but rather the journey. Ms Day introduced to the world two characters that were captivating individually, they were warriors who had known darkness, been shrouded in it for far too long, letting it break them down, and tear them apart, in bringing them together she forced them to step into the light, finding acceptance and peace, but most importantly love, their journey may have come to an end, but their legacy will no doubt live on in readers hearts.

About Sylvia Day:

Sylvia Day (aka S. J. Day and Livia Dare) is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of over 20 award-winning novels sold in more than 40 countries. She is a #1 bestselling author in 28 countries, with tens of millions of copies of her books in print. Her Crossfire series has been optioned for television by Lionsgate.
Website: www.sylviaday.com,
Facebook: Facebook.com/AuthorSylviaDay
Twitter: @SylDay.

US (HIM #2) by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy - Review

Blurb:


 Can your favorite hockey players finish their first season together undefeated?

Five months in, NHL forward Ryan Wesley is having a record-breaking rookie season. He's living his dream of playing pro hockey and coming home every night to the man he loves–Jamie Canning, his longtime best friend turned boyfriend. There's just one problem: the most important relationship of his life is one he needs to keep hidden, or else face a media storm that will eclipse his success on the ice.

Jamie loves Wes. He really, truly does. But hiding sucks. It's not the life Jamie envisioned for himself, and the strain of keeping their secret is taking its toll. It doesn't help that his new job isn't going as smoothly as he'd hoped, but he knows he can power through it as long as he has Wes. At least apartment 10B is their retreat, where they can always be themselves.

Or can they? When Wes's nosiest teammate moves in upstairs, the threads of their carefully woven lie begin to unravel. With the outside world determined to take its best shot at them, can Wes and Jamie develop major-league relationship skills on the fly?

Warning: contains sexual situations, a vibrating chair, long-distance sexytimes, and proof that hockey players look hot in any shade of green.
Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PXJoTb
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QCgZFE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1T5CnUqy
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1Lath5H
Amazon AU: bit.ly/1Q2mdXR

Read HIM:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SQdtIa
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SQdz2E
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2163hfG
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1SQdEn3
Amazon AU: bit.ly/1M1OH2w

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2016.

Most stories end when the main characters find their happily ever after, so it's always fun when authors allow us to revisit our beloved characters again, unfortunately as much as I love to take a step back into the lives of the characters that touched me so deeply the first time around, it can often feel stilted, that certainly wasn't the case here, Kennedy and Bowen captured my attention instantly, falling back into Wes and Jamie's lives was effortless, the more I read, the deeper in love I fell with these two crazy, courageous, sexy men, the more desperate I was for more.

With Bowen and Kennedy's trade mark wit, and snark Wes and Jamie felt like old friends, their love and attraction is clear, their chemistry undeniable but hiding this big love from the world comes at a price, being able to walk down the street holding your partners hand is one of those sweet moments that I think most of us take for granted, being able to update your social media status to in a relationship one of those relationship milestones that has become all to important in today's society, for two people who fought long an hard to cement their relationship, to be able to admit to themselves what they had was special, was worth taking that leap of faith that any new relationship is, is slowly stripping away at the layers of the happy they built around themselves.

"I roll onto my back and start counting the weeks until the end of the season. I don't think I can take this anymore. Not if it makes Jamie unhappy."

 The bittersweet part of US comes from the fact that Jamie and Wes knew their budding relationship would face setbacks, they would have to jump hurdles in order to be together, maintaining a secret relationship, pretending to be roommates, purely friends was always going to be tough, denying their attraction to each other in public, keeping Wes in the spotlight purely for his skills on the ice  and not his sexual orientation during his rookie year was always the plan,  but in the face of starting a new life together even that seemed like a hurdle they could take in their stride, but the more they are both pulled in different directions, as communication breaks down, and it becomes easier to slip into their own minds and focus less and less on actually talking things through open and honestly the more the once solid foundation they thought they had begins to crumble.

"Do I yell at him now? Is that the right thing to do? I don't know what Jamie needs. If I knew, I'd give it to him."

Fear and helplessness are stifling, it can choke you so slowly that you don't even notice it at first, when you suddenly go from happy and in love to feeling confused and alone, no amount of love filled platitudes can bring you back from the brink, peppered throughout those moments that tug at your heart, that make you want to climb into the book just to hold both Jamie and Wes, while brushing their hair away from their faces and murmuring that everything is going to be okay, are moments of giddy anticipation, swoon worthy romance and laugh out loud hilarity, Blake, the loud and lovable larrikin of a team mate that he is, is simultaneously uproariously funny, with his sheep proclamations and bad Mafioso jokes, as he is heart-warmingly sweet. His obnoxiousness is strangely endearing, and balances Wes's uptight and controlling ways, and left me wanting more from not only the hero's of this story but from Blake as well.

For me a lot of the MM I have read steers towards the physical connection only, focusing on the sexual chemistry only to sell the story, Bowen and Kennedy balance the down right blazing inferno that is Wes and Jamie, while centring around a fluid and organic tale about two people who found each other again, found something bigger than either of them had ever experienced, something bigger than labels like straight, gay or bi. Everything about US captivated me instantly, I couldn't put it down, couldn't look away, I forgot about my phone, lost track of time, and found myself so fully immersed in them that I was both desperate for more and didn't want it to end, my only hope is that this isn't the end for these characters. Honest, raw, thought provoking, US is the kind of book you will savour long after your turn the last page.

About the Authors:

Sarina Bowen:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

Stay tuned for a new Vermont contemporary romance series and hockey novels including Rookie Move.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.
Connect with Sarina on Facebook


Elle Kennedy:

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Connect with Elle on Facebook

Last Call (Bad Habits #3) by Staci Hart - Review

Released: 15th February 2016.

Blurb:

Once Rose Fisher makes a decision, that’s it. End of story.

Like when her ex, Patrick, dumped her out of the blue, then showed up with a super hot, tatted up sex kitten on his arm. Then it was over for good. The end. Poof. Dead to her. Except he was everywhere — down the hall, at the bar with their friends, worming his way into her dreams.

But with their friends paired off, they’re left alone more and more. Rose is determined to keep him friendzoned — doesn’t matter that he stares at her with a smolder that drops all panties in a ten foot radius. She’s over him, and she’ll prove it by getting back into the dating game, Patrick be damned.

Patrick Evans is no stranger to consequences. When your mother walks out, your dad drifts away. When you leave home, you’re on your own. And when you run away from the girl you love, you lose her. He finally has an opportunity to rebuild the bridge he burned, and it’s not one he’ll take for granted. But he’ll have to fight for her, even if it hurts. Even if it means he’ll walk away brokenhearted. Because deep down, he knows that she’s it for him.

The trick will be to get her to admit she feels it too.

Find Last Call on Goodreads 

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/20SD9op
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1W9ArYz
Amazon UK: amzn.to/1Sd6okp

Currently on sale for 99c *at time of posting*

Purchase: With A Twist (Bad Habits #1)
Purchase: Chaser (Bad Habits #2)

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2016.

When I picked up With A Twist last year I was smitten with Staci Hart's words, by Chaser I was utterly hooked, the way every emotion bleeds into her stories, the way West and Lilly connected - a connection that comes from years spent together while hiding behind the guise of friendship, to the raw and unyielding chemistry between Maggie and Cooper - the kind you can try to run from but never escape, but what truly intrigued me was tenuous relationship between Rose and Tricky, this relationship that had once been so sweet that had soured and left a poisonous void between them, when friends become lovers and everything falls apart, what you're left with is a connection that won't let you breathe, try as you might to move on, it holds you captive, the friendships you've built around it leaves you held hostage inside your own grief, inside the torment of what was and what it could have been, while you wear a mask, one that shows the outside world you're okay, while you're still crumbling inside.

"So I stared in his direction, wondering how I'd gotten to where I was, lying across from the boy who I couldn't escape but couldn't have."

The second I opened Last Call I was mesmerised, Rose had always seemed like such a strong, infallible woman, and she was, but reading her thoughts, slipping into the story, as her words and thoughts invaded my mind like ink sinking into my skin, I saw all of her, her joy, her sadness, her grief, her strength, her tenacity and her strong will, it was impossible not to love her from the very first page, Rose had loved and lost, and it had hurt her, it tore her heart from her chest, but she refused to wallow in that soul crushing pain, she stood strong even when she felt weak, Rose embodied everything I look for in a heroine, she made me think, made me feel and had me in her corner, cheering her on, not just for Tricky but for Rose, from that very first page, I wanted Rose to find her happy regardless of what that might be, so often I find leading ladies happily ever afters tied up in the hero, but what I found here was that what I wanted most of all was for Rose to be okay, and not a shadow of her former self.

"I didn't know which was worse. The truth, or the lie we'd been telling ourselves."

Tricky the inked up man of few words, everything about Tricky intrigued me from the very first mention of him in With A Twist, to say that I was desperate for more of him would be a gross understatement, from the smouldering glances he levelled at Rose, to the easy camaraderie he had with West and Cooper, everything about his outward appearance may have screamed back off, but those secret smiles...gosh those secret smiles made me want to crawl inside his mind and know everything about him, Tricky seemed like that kind of man that was forever trying to do the right thing, even when it was to the detriment of himself, and I wanted to know why, what made him tick, what made him guard his heart so closely especially when it was clear that the Bad Habits crew loved him, that even Rose despite the pain of their past still cared for him deeply, but most of all I was desperate to know what happened that a man whose eyes tracked Rose's every movement, eyes that told the story of hurt and regret, of pain without a chance of absolution would willingly walk away from her.

"Rose doesn't love you for any reason other than she does. You didn't have to do anything. Don't you get it?"

Last Call was a strange concept for romance novels, so often we start at the beginning hoping that the hero and heroine will find each other, will find their happily every after, instead Hart invites the reader to what could possibly be the end, Rose and Tricky have already had the passionate love affair, they tried and failed, where any romance reader salivates for the elusive HEA, the author begs you to leave your preconceived notions at the door and take a journey that is just as much moving forward as it is looking back, as two broken characters try to navigate what they were and who they are, as well as what they could be, whether together or alone. When Rose and Tricky battled to just keep moving through the pain of their past, the fear of the unknown threatening to drown them, the waves of trepidation crashing angrily against them, the unfettered joy of second chances, of making up for lost time, I felt that, I felt it wash over me, I felt it chip away at my heart, knowing with certainly that like Rose and Tricky, whatever happened I would never be the same.

There are books that make you laugh when you desperately need it, books that leave you reading through blurry teary eyes, books that make you want to slam down your kindle, cursing the characters and the world, and there are books that make you forget time and space, that draw you in, make you feel something bigger than yourself, they hold you captive and demand your attention, they remind you why you love to read, they remind you what it feels like to truly become invested in someone else's words, they take your heart, and hold it, knowing it's precious while being unafraid to take you on the journey they need you to go on. Staci Hart reminded me that sometimes we need to get through the pain and hurt to find what we truly need on the other side, that sometimes time and perspective is what we need despite how much we just want to forget and move on, but most of she reminded me that sometimes endings are really just the beginning of something new.

"Cheers to the end, because every story that ends begins another. Cheers to beginnings that they may be full of hope and love..."

About Staci Hart:

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f and ends with k.

From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics.

Visit Staci's Website: http://stacihartnovels.com/

GPI'S BEST BOOKS OF 2015...

What an incredible year 2015 has been, I've had the honour of beta reading for some of my faves, I've been blessed to receive ARC's that I was desperate for, and I've attended three book signings here in Australia and been able to assist two author's I both respect and admire.

This blogging journey started because I wanted to share my reviews with other readers, and in the process strangers have become friends and friends have become family, there's not much I can really say, other than thank you for taking this journey with me, now without further ado...GPI's top books of 2015...

PLATNIUM REVIEWS

Each of these books received my highest rating, hitting my ALL TIME FAVES list, these are the books that have left me thinking about them long after I turned the last page, they challenged the way I viewed the world, they left me feeling lighter, stronger, surer, in no particular order...

The Fall Up - Aly Martinez
Rock Chick series - Kristen Ashley
Now Leaving Sugartown - Carmen Jenner
More Than Enough - Jay McLean
Broken Juliet - Leisa Rayven
Kick Push - Jay McLean

Gold Reviews:

I found myself shouting from the rooftops my love of these titles, I often devoured the words only to go back and squirrel away hours rereading and falling in love with the author's story all over again, these books reminded me why I love to read, how effortless it is to slip inside an author's world and just get lost amongst the pages, I wanted these stories to last forever, and I wanted to drown in their words.

 

 

Tank - Carmen Jenner

47 Things - Lilliana Anderson

Bad Romeo - Leisa Rayven

Where The Road Takes Me - Jay McLean

The Game Plan - Kristen Callihan

Caught - AE Woodward & Erika Ashby

Before We Were Strangers - Renee Carlino

The Hook Up - Kristen Callihan

Be My December - Rachel Brookes

A Home For My Heart - Velvet Reed

Be My Temptation - Rachel Brookes

Beautiful Secret - Christina Lauren

Love Like We Do Side A & B - Lori L Otto

Kismet - AE Woodward

 

If you want to check out why these books captured my heart be sure to search any of the titles here on the blog.

 

Thank you all for a wonderful year!

 

 

More Than Enough (More series #5) by Jay McLean - ARC Review

Blurb:

There’s no emotion greater than fear.
No ache greater than grief.
No sound greater than silence.
***
I’m grateful he showed up on my doorstep,
pissed off and angry at the world.
If he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here.
And I don’t just mean here on this journey with him.
I mean here, in this world.
*
I wonder what events in all our lives—hers included—are The Turning Points? The points where we all determine that the fear of our pasts and the uncertainty of our futures are greater than our need for happiness.
Here.
Now.
While time and everything around us stands unmoving… who’s to say we can’t have it all?
***
We wanted it all.
We wanted it with each other.
We thrived on the chaos we created.
And ignored the Mayhem that ensued.
Because falling in love was easy.
But sometimes, love isn’t enough.

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: November 2015.

Sometimes a book comes along at exactly at the right time, it unapologetically knocks you on your arse, it takes you on a journey that at times leaves you gasping for breath, your heart strumming through your chest, it makes you question everything you thought you knew and leaves you perfectly sated and yet desperate for more. To say More Than Enough blew me away would be an understatement, this book unequivocally stripped me bare, it's message one of quiet simplicity, McLean asks the reader to check their preconceived notions at the door, instead begging them to join her characters for their journey, she tells the story that Dylan needed to tell, I was enraptured from the opening page, my mind captivated instantly. 

Dylan has always been the ninja of the More crew, #TeamSilence a long running joke, the quiet man who has always stood back from the spotlight, the man who had no inclination to stand out, the man who was so adamant that he wanted his life to count for something that he enlisted to serve his country, picking up and leaving regardless of what he was leaving behind.

"But it is relevant. Because is and was is the difference between time standing still, and time moving forward"

There is a heroism to Dylan, his need to serve and protect, to provide shelter to those in the eye of their own storm, where Dylan was always comfortable to be a player in a larger ensemble More Than Enough is his chance to not only tell his story but to shine.

"There’s no emotion greater than fear. No ache greater than grief. No sound greater than silence."

There's a line in both the story and the blurb, about the sound of silence... and anyone who has ever battled depression, anxiety or PTSD will say with absolute certainty that there is no noise louder, no sound more haunting than silence, with its double entendre of quieting a raging mind, and yet allowing the voices in ones mind to run rampart. While More Than Enough touches on depression and it's far reaching effects, it's also a valiant story of survival, about love, and forgiveness. Depression affects over 20% of all people here in Australia, and as someone who is not ashamed to admit to suffering from it I've often struggled to describe what it feels like, but McLean writes so eloquently that she was able to put those feelings into words, when she writes

"The never-ending thoughts tormenting your mind, bringing you to your knees and kicking you while your down"

I felt every ounce of helplessness there, every bit of pain, of longing for the world to swallow them whole, these moments of heart breaking clarity, were juxtaposed with moments of swoon worthy romance, where the characters are just young and in love and trying to find a way to just be, when they aren't fighting their own battles to find themselves or their way to each other.

"Because....I plan on loving you like he did"

If it seems like I'm being deliberately evasive when it comes to the heroine in this story and focusing my review on Dylan I am. While the More gang features heavily here, More Than Enough is very much about Dylan's journey and his journey to becoming the man he always wanted to be. McLean never shies away from heart wrenching emotion, never approaches the story with kid gloves, and yet never exploits the characters pain for the sake of eliciting an emotional response from the reader. There's this beautiful message here that reminds the reader that emotions and feeling is okay, that admitting you need help doesn't make you weak. That sometimes you need to allow yourself to fall apart so you can rebuild yourself stronger and more aware. McLean writes strong heroines, hero's that aren't afraid to show emotion, she writes about friends who become family, and the craziest kind of mayhem that ensues when you open yourself up to chances and in turn life.

"All emotions are valid, Dylan. Regardless of whether you think it's right or wrong to feel them, they exist because they're real."

 

The beauty of story telling takes place when the author takes the reader on the journey that the character wants to go on, it's not always the journey the reader wants to take. More Than Enough is breathtaking for so many reasons, but most of all, it's sheer beauty, it's unrelenting power comes from the fact that this is the story Dylan needed to tell.

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1RCKljn

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1MCPT99

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1PfjDiZ

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1MgseMC

More Than This: http://amzn.to/1MBnUH5
More Than Her: http://amzn.to/1MBo0hE
More Than Him: http://amzn.to/1MBo3Ku
More Than Forever: http://amzn.to/1SqXzR2

 

 

 

About Jay McLean:

 

 

 

Jay McLean is the author of the More Series, including More Than This, More Than Her, More Than Him and More Than Forever. She also has two standalones coming soon titled Where The Road Takes Me, and Combative.

Jay is an avid reader, writer, and most of all, procrastinator. When she's not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, or devouring some tacky reality TV show.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her smile, make her hurt, and make her feel.
You can follow Jay on Instagram and twitter @jaymcleanauthor. You can also find her on her blog at www.jaymcleanauthor.com where you can subscribe to her newsletter and get teasers and updates first hand, her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jaymcleanauthor or her fan group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mores..., or you can contact Jay directly at jay@jaymcleanauthor.com

The Fall Up by Aly Martinez - Review

 



Blurb:

I wanted to jump.
He made me fall.

As a celebrity, I lived in the public eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.

Until he found me.

Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.

But we were both standing on that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts brought us together—and then tore us apart.

Could we find a reason to hold on as life constantly pulled us down?

Or maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.

 

Purchase Links:

 

 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1HdjDYP

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1O2Z0GA

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1Lx3txq

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1ORKod5

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PShY2R

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GC0K6L

 

 



 

Kristine's Review:





Reviewed: October 2015.

Where do I even start with The Fall Up...I'm at a loss for words right now to describe the emotional pull Martinez's words had over my heart...I'm ashamed to say this was my first book by the author, but after absolutely devouring this book, sneaking in every spare second to immerse myself in the world Martinez created it certainly won't be my last. I was captivated by the very first page, from the very first line, it was just that I was enraptured by the story telling, but that I was so instantly invested that I didn't want the book to end, to feel that way at 80 or 90% is a feat in itself, but to feel that way within the first few pages...well that is a testament to the author's talent.

Levee Williams is a pop princess, she's instantly recognisable wherever she goes, the darling of social media, she spends her days touring mercilessly, performing and in her spare seconds she visits children's hospitals to put a smile on the face of sick kids, but as with anything, when you spend so much time trying to be everything for everyone, eventually you lose track of who you are, the weight of the world and the pressure you place on yourself weighs you down, and you're left questioning who you are and how you ended up this way...

"Don't tell me you're fine. Don't tell me you have to go. Don't tell me that everything is okay. Just tell me the truth your eyes are so desperate for me to hear."

Sam Rivers by all accounts has a good life, he has a loving mother, a best friend Ryan Meeks, and the surrogate family he provides, his business is booming and on the outside his life pretty much rocks, but that's the thing about shiny façades, we portray to the world what we want them to see, and while Sam's life seems to be smooth sailing, there's a world of darkness that he hides inside.

"Levee, I'd like to struggle with you"

This book hit so incredibly close to home, there's still a huge social stigma that surrounds depression, and mental illness despite how many times we share posts on Facebook and social media to the contrary, suicide is something we push behind closed doors and like to pretend it doesn't exist, but the sad truth is that mental illness effects over 20% of all people in Australia, with over 2000 deaths every year attributed to suicide in this country, it's a universal fact that you will either suffer from depression or mental illness or know someone who does in your lifetime, and I commend Martinez for taking on such a heavy subject and handling it with sensitivity and heart.

"...you have no idea what you're getting into"

 "No one ever does. It's the beauty of taking risks."

The Fall Up is about so much more than pop stars, or suicide or depression though, this story takes the reader on a journey where two people not only find their way to each other, but most importantly find themselves, the author tells the reader that it's okay to feel overwhelmed, it's okay to lose yourself, it's okay to feel shackled to the image you've portrayed to the world, and most of all it's okay to step back from trying to be everything to everyone, Martinez reminds the reader that they aren't Spiderman and that's okay. I felt unseasonably low when I picked up The Fall Up, I wanted something to carry me away and allow me to forget for just a little while, the author didn't just do that, the gift she gave me was infinitely better, she reminded me of my strength, she reminded me that feeling emotions does not equal weakness, she reminded me that life isn't about finding someone to weather the storms for you, but to stand by your side while you find even just a sliver of light in your darkest moments, and most of all, she reminded me that sometimes we have to allow ourselves to fall apart in order to fall back together.

About Aly Martinez:

 

 

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.
After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.
Find Aly on Facebook

The Game Plan (Game On #3) by Kristen Callihan - ARC Review

 

Blurb:

 

 

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friend. That ends now.

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed.

Dex is looking for a forever girl, but they live vastly different lives in separate cities. Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he's her forever man.

Game On.

 

 



Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GY0QjZ
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1GnZqoc
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1LTG4Yz
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1NZ7Gh4
iBooks: http://apple.co/1RrlP4m

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: October 2015.

I'm going to be completely honest, the second The Game Plan hit my kindle I was desperate to dive in, I'd read an excerpt the author released a few months ago and from that moment I was waiting with bated breath... #DexTheLumbersexual has been in my head since...

Ethan Dexter is one hulking mountain of man meat... tall, broad, tatted, rocking the man bun and beard, he's a walking talking female fantasy come to life... only he doesn't really talk all that much, Dex is no doubt consistently one of the strongest men on any team he plays for, he's smart, resilient, level headed, he analyses everything around him before calling a play or making a decision, he's loyal to a fault, steadfast and the kind of man you would want to have your back, sure he's sexy as sin, and a talented athlete to boot but he's been able to fly under the radar, keep to himself, hide in the background and people watch.

Fiona Mackenzie is always the life of the party, she's loud, she's fun loving, she's independent, and she says what she thinks without bothering to filter it first. Dex has been watching her for two years, from the moment they met he was captivated, but their timing was never right, he's bided his time and waited for the perfect opportunity, struggling between the urge to stay away and to draw her close, and when he finds his moment, when she finally truly looks at him, sees him clearly, he's going to fight with everything he has to make her his and to keep her.

There's so much here in The Game Plan, it's so so much more than a New Adult tale of a couple embarking on a burgeoning relationship, it's more than the strong, silent, sexy hero moving past his fears  and past hurts and coming into his own, it's about more than just a happy go lucky heroine struggling between staying true to herself and following the path of least resistance, it's about more than a 24 year old virgin that looks more like a bad boy biker than an all star athlete (even though everything about Ethan added to make him one sexy, soulful alpha) where Callihan could of focused the entire story around the hero's virginity, she instead used it to showcase another side of her alpha male, endearing him to the reader all over again.

"And never forget this. As much as I want your respect, you never, ever live your life to make someone else happy. You got me."

This is a story about masks and the images we put out into the world, it's about embracing every facet of your personality, the things you wish were different, the things that make you proud, it's taking all of it and putting yourself out there and screaming at the top of your lungs this is me, and I'm okay with that. The Game Plan is about tearing down those walls you erect to keep yourself safe, and letting people in, it's about being okay with putting the real you out into the world, living an organic life.

"Truth is, we all project a false front to the world, peppering our social media pages with witty words and silly emoticons. Life narrowed down to 140 characters, stage selfies, and tirades over opinion posts. Life lived for the approval of the masses, all while tearing strangers down for all slightest misstep.

And when you turn away from that electric glow, when you no longer see those silent, pixelated opinions, who are you, really?"

We live in a social media age, we post selfies angled just right, photos of holidays and nice meals out, we go about our daily lives without even realising it most of the time, in some way or another we all wear masks, projecting the me we want the world to see, but the thing is, when the blinds are drawn, and the world shuts down around you for the night, what we're left with is the person we are under it all. The Game Plan quieted my mind in a way so few books have, it pulled apart all the clutter, deconstructed the things I usually think are important and left in its wake the bare necessities of life, Callihan's begged me to ask myself a question, WHO AM I? and forced me to be truly honest, answering I don't know, but the true moment of clarity is being able to admit, I don't have all the answers yet and that's okay.

There's a beautiful message here about opening yourself up, letting people in and trusting them to catch you when you fall, it's about owning who your are, and accepting so much of life's great joy comes from the journey not the destination, to say I adored The Hook Up would be an understatement, that book stole my heart, I raved about it for weeks to anyone and everyone who would listen, when The Friend Zone came along I sunk back into their world and was instantly hypnotised by Callihan's writing, her words capturing my attention, demanding me to sit back and enjoy the journey, Dex and Fi have climbed their way up my favourite couples list, and as always I'm left here waiting with bated breath for what Callihan does next.

 

 

Excerpt:

 

I grin up at him. “You know, before this, I’d have taken you for a hard rock, or maybe even a bluegrass fan.” 

“It’s the beard, isn’t it,” he asks. 

“And the man-bun.” 

He laughs, a short rumble of sound. “Want me to let it down?” 

Yes. Maybe. 

“Not necessary. Man-buns are hot. I blame Jason Momoa. There was only so much watching him bang Khaleesi the female population could take before they wanted their own Khal Drogo.” 

Shit. I really don’t know what the hell I’m doing. Because it sounds a lot like flirting to me. Instinct tells me flirting with Ethan Dexter isn’t something to do lightly. And there’s the fact that I don’t go for athletes. At all. I don’t care how fit they are. Or how confident. I don’t like sports. Football bores me. Oh, I know tons about the sport—kind of impossible not to in my family—but I don’t want to pretend that I care when I’d rather talk about other things. 

Dex’s eyes crinkle again, and he turns toward me, leaning an elbow on the table. “Doesn’t Momoa have a beard?” 

I wave my hand. “Who has time to look at his beard when his muscles are on display?” 

I most certainly do not look at Dex’s phenomenal arms. 

“So your stance on beards is?” His gaze so strong I feel it in my toes.

My breathing picks up. “Don’t particularly like them.” 

It’s the truth. And yet I can’t help but look at his. It’s dark, framing his mouth, which should be a turnoff for me. Only it draws all my attention there. To the shape of his mouth—the upper lip a gentle curve, the lower lip fuller, almost a pout. There’s something slightly illicit about the whole effect. 

I clear my throat, glance up, and find him watching me through lowered lids. He doesn’t seem particularly put out by my frankness. 

“What don’t you like about them?” 

Is he serious? 

He stares at me. 

I guess he is. 

Taking a quick sip of my drink, I search for an answer. “They’re just so…fuzzy. Prickly.” 

He moves in, not crowding me, but putting himself at arms’ reach. He smells faintly of cloves and oranges. It must be his aftershave or cologne, but it works for me. 

I’m distracted by it and almost jump when he speaks again. “Do you know this based on experience, or are you making an assumption?” 

My gaze narrows. “Aren’t you the philosopher.” 

“You didn’t answer the question.” 

“Fine. Assumption.” 

His lips quirk. “You should find out if your assumption is true before you condemn the beard.” 

“Is this some sort of creepy way to get me to touch your beard?” 

A challenge flashes in his eyes. “There are a few guys at the bar sporting beards. You could go ask them. But I figure since we know each other…” 

“Not that well.” 

“You’d rather ask a stranger?” 

“You’re assuming I care enough to ask, Slick.” 

His teeth shine white in the shadows of the club. “I know you’re curious. You’re fairly twitching with wanting to know.” 

I flatten my hands against the table and glare. Is it just me, or is he closer? Close enough that I can see his eyes are hazel, lighter around his cornea with a starburst pattern. I wish I could see the colors, but he’s painted in shades of blue and gray right now. 

And he’s watching me. Patient. Calculating. Tempting. 

“It’s always the quiet ones,” I mutter before taking a breath. “Okay, I’ll pet your fuzzy face.” 

“Hold up.” Without hesitation, he reaches for my drink and takes a sip. “Liquid courage.” 

A strangled laugh leaves me. “Because I’m sooo scary.” 

“You have no idea, Cherry.”

I think I growl at him. I definitely want to give his precious beard a good, hard tug. But he simply lifts his brows at me. “Get on with it, then.” 

This cheeky bastard is totally playing me. And here I am falling into his trap. Because I cannot look away from his beard now. More specifically, his lips, which are parted just slightly. An invitation. A dare. 

Shit. I’ve never been very good at ignoring a dare. 

I hate that my hand trembles as I reach up to touch him. He stays perfectly still, his arm casually slung on the edge of the booth behind me, his body turned toward mine. But I don’t miss the way his breathing has kicked up just slightly. 

I hesitate, shy almost. Hells bells, I’m only going to touch a bit of facial hair. Why does it feel like we’re two kids tucked in a dark corner, playing a game of “I’ll show you mine”? 

Annoyed with myself, I close the distance between us.

GPI Review: The Hook Up
GPI Review: The Friend Zone

 



About Kristen Callihan:

 

 

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

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