REVIEW: Slide (Broken, #1) by Michelle Congdon

Slide by Michelle Congdon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ARC PROVIDED FOR BLOG TOUR

REACTION AFTER READING THE BOOK

"You and your irresistible body will be the death of me and my door deep-v-diver."

I liked it. I loved it!!!



Slide was a totally good read. The writing and the progression of the story was very smooth.
And the characters were pretty awesome!

Oh Ryan!



Let me love you!

THE GIST

Evangeline has everything that she could ever ask for.. except for a complete family.

" My family came from money, a great deal of it, but that didn't mean we all lived a blissfully perfect life. We had our own heartache and tragedy to bear. It was constantly being in the media eye that taught me to shut myself away. They all wanted to talk about that fateful night many years ago but I refused to speak anyone, other than my therapist - who was still trying hard to mend the pieces together."

She lost her mother and older brother on a tragic car accident and things were never the same after that. She felt lost. Alone. Unloved. That is before she met Ryan Fox.

Ryan was everything Evangeline shouldn't be hanging around with.

" Ryan Fox was a big time player. He had girls worshiping at his feet and he clearly enjoyed every minute of it. He was loved by many fans and was constantly in the public eye - not to mention on giant billboards."

Evie didn't want that. She didn't want people digging up her past. She didn't want people noticing how broken she was. She didn't want anyone's pity.

But was she the only one keeping secrets? Or is Ryan keeping a few secrets of his own.

MEET THE CHARACTERS

Evangeline



I liked Evangeline at some point but there were a couple of times that I found her annoying too.

She was pretty but a little aloof. She didn't want the limelight because she didn't want her past to be talked about in public. She didn't want people looking at her and feeling pity. Her family was very rich. They were very well known in the fashion industry so if something tragic happened to their lives, people will talk about it.

I loved how she was understanding. I loved how she accepted Ryan and everything about him including his family but... I hated that she was untrusting. How can you possibly say you love someone but don't trust them?

Also, she has been so quick to pass judgement on Ryan and it wasn't really funny at all. She would believe someone else's word against the man who she said she loved. Isn't that a bit weird.

Anyways, I liked how she was not head over heels immediately towards Ryan. I liked how she answered back to Ryan on the first few scenes. I liked how she didn't immediately give in to Ryan... Well she did but there were a lot of other things at play which is why she did but.. You got to read it.. I won't be saying anymore. LOL.

Ryan



Oh gosh! I can't believe I fell for another Ryan who's also a baseball player!!

But honestly, this Ryan is far more sexual. LOL. The other Ryan (from Dare You To) was more of the innocent sweet type. This handsome devil however was just smoking with sex and appeal.

How can I even start with this guy? Oh well. He was arrogant at first yes but I guess that's what fame does to you. If you're a really good player and everyone loves you, I think you really just get used to the attention. I didn't cringe one bit during this exchange.

"Do you realize what you've done? You let the one girl willing to sleep with you go and now she hates you."

He snorted, clearly amused by my statement. "I can assure you that there are plenty more waiting, and she'll come back. They always try."

I love my guys full of confidence and Ryan indeed has one!

Ryan's hot and everything but that's not really the thing I loved most about him. I loved his love for his family. The secret that he's been keeping is actually related to his family and I honestly believe what he did was right. I do not judge him whatsoever for this. It was the right decision! It was an accident but he had no other choice. He had to protect his family and that made me cry a little bit.

Also.. I loved that he was persistent. I loved that he wanted to let Evangeline feel and know that he loves him and would do anything for him. I loved that he went out of his way to prove that even though it was risking his future as well.

So selfless.. I am so in love!

*swoon*

ROMANCE
Evangeline + Ryan = Perfect Combination

Oh seriously, this couple is just so perfect for each other. They were compatible in every way.




Both Ryan and Evangeline had a past they must overcome. It wasn't easy for them to tell each other this as it is hard. Traumatic experiences are never easy to talk about but when they did, they were able to support each other. They were able to love each other better.

"Somehow a messed-up girl like me managed to find the perfect messed-up boy. We both shared dark and terriying pasts that were always going to be there, but now instead of trying to battle against the darkness on our own, we had the love and support of each other to help us through it."

Also, there wasn't the cliche of the male being super rich and the girl not really. This time, they were both equal and I liked that. They were both technically celebrities. And that was a good change.


FINAL VERDICT

All in all I loved it. But I did notice somethings that could be improved and it would have made this book way more better. I have some more points that I also need to point out obviously. LOL.

1 I thought it ended beautifully but the way towards the ending was a bit of a struggle for me. Did I make sense? What I was trying to say was, towards the end another "should-be" important character was introduced and wasn't given that much closure towards the end. I liked Hawke. I feel that there should have been a love triangle not that I was a fan of that but why would you introduce another male character that the male MC is going to get jealous of without him being given too much exposure. That bothered me a little. He should have been introduced maybe on the middle part of the book and not around 75% towards the end. That didn't work for me.

2 That bitch who threatened Ryan and Evangeline's relationship needs serious help. Arrrgg.. I hate her guts! I hope she burns in hell.

3 The ending was just so good! I loved how everything wrapped up and ended. But like I said, the road to the ending was a bit bumpy and rough for my taste but hey it all worked out in the end.

4 I just wish this was written in both Evangeline and Ryan's POV. I think it would have worked better that way as some scenes on this book would have been more clearer if it was in Ryan's POV.

5 And Ms. Congdon, if you are reading this... Please... Please... Please... Make a book for Hawke. I liked him and he was a good guy so please.. Give him his happily ever after too!!!! :)

This was such a refreshing read and I would recommend it to anyone who would want a sweet and sexy book to read.




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REVIEW: Surrendering (Surrender, #1) by Ahren Sanders

SURRENDERING by Ahren Sanders

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  REVIEW COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

  5 Sparkling and Steamy Hearts!




Holy.Hotness indeed!!



This book had everything! It was refreshing read really. It wasn't really that hard to connect with the story as the writing is pretty awesome. When I was reading, it felt as if a friend was telling me her story. I just really loved that. You'll get hooked just by reading the first few pages. This book was very easy to love!

Hoooraaayyy!!



A job well done on this book!!

HERE'S THE GIST

Raven moved back home to spend more time with her family and also complete her MBA at Vanderbilt. Everything was planned out but what she wasn't planning on was being tackled over by a guy whom (in her head) she decided to name as Holy-Hotness, during one of her yoga sessions. Although he was hot as hell and she was totally attacted, she wasn't really that interested.

Just when Raven thought that was the end of her encounter with Mr.Holy Hotness... She was so wrong.

Raven rented a room with a house she immediately falls in love with. She has two roommates which coincidentally were... Mr. Holy Hotness' sisters.



Yep that's right. Her roommates was the same guy whom was on top of her just moments ago!! What a small world isn't it? Imagine how more awkward it was when everone knew what they called Declan. Yep. The hansome tackler has a name. It was Declan Collins.

Declan Collins was a lead vocalist for a band name Sayge. He had a great voice, handsome, a loving brother and full-pledged womanizer. He doesn't do relationships. You see him with a different girl in the backroom before and after each of their performance. But then he meets Raven... She stirs him up. It was like she's woken up something inside of him that has been sleeping for a long time and the guy who sort of sworn off being in a relationship suddenly wanted to prove to everyone (including his sisters) that he capable of staying loyal to one  girl.

After spending time together, a few sleepovers and movie sessions (no sex... yet..) they've gotten close and eventually fell in love.



Happily ever after? No definitely not.

Things happened.
They argued.
They had differences.
Someone was too jealous.
Someone was too relax.
Someone else was in love but doesn't want to admit it. *i guess you guys will figure who this one is easily!*
A decision was made which made the other one decide too.
Lots of things happened.
But will Declan and Raven's love be enough to save their relationship and surpass all their trials?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I would like to thank Ahren again for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was amazing by the way!

Okay so first thoughts on this book.. I am a cover whore so I definitely fell in love with that cover! It was damn gorgeous. One complain though was I couldn't see the guy's face. Would have been nice to have some sort of glimpse on how the author picture the guy in her book right? But that's just a minor senseless rant. It doesn't really affect on how awesome the story is.

So what else? The blurb in goodreads. It was definitely what this book is all about. It stayed true to the book but... Well you'll have to read it to know why.. Something towards the end happened which completely left my mouth hanging open.



It just hit me like an unexpected hurricane. I didn't see it coming which is a good thing!

MEET THE CHARACTERS

Ravenella Hayes

 
    "Um, Declan, don't you need a shirt?"
 



First. Let me just get this out of my chest. Her name sounds weird when you say Ravenella. I have no idea how you say that. I like her as Raven even though she doesn't have jet black hair. Black and raven? Get it? LOL. Okay no that wasn't very funny. I suck at making jokes.

Back to the Raven.

Soo. She's just amazing! What can I say? I loved her from start to finish. She's one of those characters that you will love even though they are perfect from head to foot. She was smart. She was extremely pretty. She was understanding. She was friendly. She knows how to dance. She was nice to everyone. She was perfect in literally everything and sometimes I think its unfair.



But then as you read through the book you'll see that she's not really that perfect either. Sometimes she was insenstive towards how Declan was feeling. Sometimes she makes a decision because of how bad she feels which ends up making the people around her worry. Sometimes she's wreckless. I thought I fell in love with a character that was way too perfect.. But its good to know that she's just as flawed as the other female leads that I loved and adored. She was just as imperfect and I think I like her better that way.

She's not a weak character. I think that's also why I liked her. She was the type of girl that doesn't take shit from anyone.. Including Declan, her brother, Finn and crazy psycho fans of Declan's band.

By the way just an FYI on Raven.. Her father was an ex-special forces and now handles a security stuff company and he has guys.. Sometimes her father gets too paranoid sooo.. She has hunky, overprotective body guards on her all the time. Eventually, they became her friends especially Finn but come on!! 7 hot-goodlooking-sexy guys all there to protect you from bad guys?! How lucky can you fucking get?

Declan Collins

 
    "One of these days, I hope you'll know about every part of my body, not just my tatoos."
 



Drool.
*wipes drool*
Drooling again.
Drool pooling down on the floor.

Declan. I just love saying that name. Well what can I say with Mr. Holy Hotness? A lot!

When you read the blurb, you might get turned off because he seems to be the typical badboy who fell in love with a virgin *oopsie. yep. Raven is a virgin* and then changed blah blah bullshit but then.. He was more than that.

Aside from being sexy as hell.

 
    "He is about 6'2 and all muscles. His chest, his arms, and back strain under his shirt. A trail of ink that resembles a tribal design snakes around his upper arm. His dark hair is cut close on the sides and longer on top. He has the greenest eyes I've ever looked into. All of a sudden, I feel my knees go weak as I stare at him."
 

 
    "He's in faded jeans and a black shirt; I see he has a piercing on his lower lip and it's sexy as hell. I'm thinking about how much I want to run my tongue over his lips when he clears his throat and looks at me."
 



Declan was also an amazing brother and son. He loves his family so much that I want to have a family with him. LOL.

 
    "There were only three women in my life that I loved before you. One was my mom, and the other two are my sisters. I love you in a different, deeper way and these feelings are foreign to me."
 



I liked Declan. A lot. He was a total alpha male! Gawwd he is so hot. And loving. And sweet. And thoughtful. And a musician. And he's hot. Oh and did I mention he was gorgeous too? Did I just forget to mention that? Oh dear. I'm totally smitten by this handsome devil!

What else? Oh well. Declan was kind of the jealous type. He was overly possessive that sometimes I think is just a tad bit out of control. But hey it works with the story I guess. And I think it was highly because he doesn't know how the relationship stuff works because if he wasn't jealous and just got the relationship thing perfect the first time then.. That is just crazy and highly unrealistic. So i liked him just the way he is. :)

Declan was a monster... in bed! If you could ask Raven, she'll probably say she had thousands of orgasms and I had a couple of bookgasms too myself. Dude! It was really hot. And that piercing!! Fucking hell! That was just... *phew* I couldn't even start. I'm not into piercings but that has got to be the hottest one ever!

I'd go on and on about Declan but that's not going to be much fun after a while sooo we'll go now to..

Finn Black

 
    "Rave, I've seen you in your yoga clothes and I can guarantee you that you had nothing to be embarrassed about. Even though I can't touch, doesn't mean I can't look - and appreciate the view."
 



I love Finn too! He is the type of best friend that every girl should have but then.. That's going to be trouble if the guy falls in love with the girl and the girl has no fucking clue. Not saying that's the case here but... Yeah well who knows? All I could say is that I loved Finn from Chapter 1 and so on. He is very dependable and honest and cute as hell. There is a big reason why Declan is always so possessive of Raven. And one of them was Finn.

Even though Raven and Finn are ONLY friends, being that close to a guy while you have your boyfriend is indeed a bit weird. I guess as time passes by the guy will have to deal but I think Rave did a good job making it clear that Declan is who she wants and not Finn or any other guy. Still... That doesn't stop me from drooling and swooning over Finn too.

Finn, for me, is actually a main character too. He plays a big role althroughout the story and I loved that he did. I'll be looking out for you on the next book! Hope you don't screw up!! LOL.

Declan + Raven = IT'S GETTING SO HOT IN HERE!

Raven and Declan could be as cute as hell when they're talking.. They make such a cute couple.



But they could be bipolar sometimes. Not in a bad way. They are just cuddly sweet one minute and the next minute.. *BOOM* all their clothes are gone. And I would have to warn you... The steamy scenes are REALLY steamy! Oh dear! I had countless bookgasms! It was insane. There was a lot of them. Yeah there was a lot but the book didn't lose its substance because of the sexy parts which was good!

Their relationship builded up great. They were attacted to each other but they didn't just jump into a relationship because of that. I think Raven was to be given kudos for that!

There was jealously here and there majority of which was from Declan but.. Raven has her moments too. LOL. Especially with those two girls.. That was extremely funny! You go girl!

FINAL VERDICT

I was completely taken by this book. It drew me in and suck me into its pages!  There was no doubt this would have to be one of my favorite books for this year!

Like I said, the writing was fluid, the story was just so good!

I would have to make some comments though about how long some of the scenes were. I think there are some parts that the story could do without but with it its still okay. All I'm saying was that there are some parts that could be taken out but will still come out as amazing!

There were a lot of secondary characters too! I'd like to name them all and give you guys a description but if I did.. it will take me forever. LOL. Just kidding. But there seriously were a lot and hopefully they'd get their own story because from what I have read.. They each have their own backstories too.

At first, it seems like a common story of a rocker and a good innocent girl but its not. The twists and turns come out towards the end of the story and you'll be surprised on how surprising it is. I didn't see that stupid cliffhanger coming and also that struggle they had towards the end. I wasn't expecting it at all and I loved it. It made me rate the book 5! It was because of the uncertainty of what will happen next. I always love that in a book. A book is supposed to be like a box of chocolate, you're never suppose to know what will happen next.. Unless of course, you skim through the pages and read the end!!

Anyhow.. I loved loved loved it! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a cute and steamy romance novel that will make you smile, laugh, fall in love and... bookgasm then this is definitely for you!


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REVIEW: The Edge of Always (The Edge of Never, #2) by J.A Redmerski

The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 EXTREMELY SWEET AND INSANELY SEXY HEARTS!




  "You think we're lost?"

I tilt my head back a little and look up at the stars behind her and say, "In society, maybe. But together, no. I think we're right where we need to be."



REACTION AFTER READING THE BOOK

My heart
Is just full of happiness right now!





To date, The Edge of Never and now The Edge of Always easily became my favorite book of all time.

Before I start and share my passionate love for this book. I'll start with a short GIST

Just when things are starting to fall into place... unexpected things happen that could possibly tear them apart.

Camryn and Andrew met on a Greyhound bus in Kansas.
They met. Got to know each other. Went on a roadtrip. Helped each other. Fell in love.



They both didn't have any idea how that would change their life forever.

A few months after their roadtrip together, Camryn and Andrew couldn't be more happier.
Things was starting to fall together.
They made plans for their future.
They made arrangements.
They had to as they were expecting a baby girl along the way.
But something happened.
Something unexpected that pushed Camryn over the edge.
She tries to hide it like she did a thousand times before but this time Andrew was there.
He was there to make sure Camryn doesn't go through her struggles alone.
He wasn't going to let her go.
He wasn't going to let her fall apart without him.
He was going to be there for her no matter what happens.
Even if it kills him.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I just thought this book was really beautiful.
Both of them are.
I loved the first one, but this book really sealed the deal for me. This is my favorite books of all time.
It touched me in ways other books couldn't.

It was a slow start I agree but I feel like it wouldn't be as heartfelt if the book was too rushed or something. It felt beautiful. It felt real.

I liked how Camryn and Andrew's relationship turned out. I knew there were loose ends on the last book with Camryn and I loved how Andrew helped her get over that. It was just beautiful and heartwarming and endearing and... Well I couldn't think of any more adjectives as of the moment that would describe how wonderful this book really made me feel. It took me up and down and all around! It was a complete rollercoaster ride.



I think the highlight of this story is really just about love. How love can heal everything. How love could mend broken things. I loved how Andrew showed Camryn how much he loves her no matter what. He never, not once, ever made her forget how much she means to him. He was just perfect. Andrew just couldn't stop swooning me until I am absolutely crazy for him. He was just perfect. I really wish I could find a guy like him.

Camryn. Although I didn't really agree on some of the decisions she made on this book and on the past one, I still liked her. People cope with pain and loss at different levels and I guess she just had too much and she just broke. Luckily, Andrew was there to pick up all the pieces and mend it back together.

I cried. Again. Seriously. For the nth time I really cried for this book. I am both happy and sad that its finally come to a close. I enjoyed the giggles that I get when Andrew made his moves on Camryn. I cried when it seems that the problems were pushing them away from each other. I got excited when they were going to go back on a roadtrip. I was happy and again teary-eyed when they finally got their happily ever after.

Love is such a special thing isn't it? I love J.A Redmerski so much I think I'll kiss her a million times when I see her.



When Camryn and Andrew did their little gigs every now and then, I absolutely imagined Andrew singing the song "Your Song" to Camryn. Of course, its the Cameron Mitchell version is what I was talking about. I attached a short snippet of the lyrics below.

  It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, oh, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world



I seriously think its the perfect song for Camryn and Andrew. I really imagine him singing this song to Camryn and it melts my insides.. I feel extremely giddy just thinking about it.

Oh and last but not the least can I just say...



Seriously. Andrew is a total keeper! If I meet someone like him, I'd really throw my underwear across the room!! :D LOL. Just kidding!

All in all. I am totally in love with this book! This book left a mark on me and I will really really treasure it forever!

Amazing job JA Redmerski!!

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REVIEW: Resilient by Patricia Vanasse

Resilient by Patricia Vanasse

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DISCLAIMER This copy has been provided by the author for an honest review.


  4 sweet hearts for Resilient!





resilient

adjective
(of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed.
(of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions:

Livia was special and she knows it.

She can empathize with people. She could feel their emotions. She could feel their pain, happiness, anger and most of the times, it makes her unhappy knowing what other people are feeling. As time passes by, she began to develop more abilities that she was forced to hide from her adoptive parents.  She thinks her biological parents have the answers to her questions. But will finding them really answer her questions or will it lead her to more questions?

Adam was your normal highschool golden boy. At least, that is what everyone around him thinks. But there was more to him than meets the eye. He only allow people to see what he wants them to.

When Livia and her family moved to Whidbey Island, she meets Adam and unfortunately, sparks didn't fly (at least at first). For the first time, Livia couldn't feel an emotion. She couldn't read Adam's emotion at all. It made her curious as to why he was the only one immune to her ability.

The closer they got to each other, the more they learn about the secrets that lurk behind their true identity.

THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS

First of all, I would like to thank Patricia Vanasse for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. It was absolutely amazing and am very honored to read and review it!

Alright so my thoughts on this book is that it was very unique. That is actually what first caught me about this book. There was no cliche-ish pathetic heroine who needs to be saved by a swoonworthy and strong hero. That was not the case here.

I liked Livia. She was very persistent in searching for answers. She was strong and not whimpy. She was not a damsel in distress that needs saving all the time. I guess sometimes she was impulsive like her decision to go back to New York just because she wanted to know about something. A very bold and dangerous decision but she made it.

Adam. Hmmm. I wasn't really extremely blown away by him at first because I thought he was a jerk but as the story goes, boy he made up for it.  I guess that's the only thing that I found wrong with Adam but other than that he was a pure sweetheart! Oh and did I mention he was goodlooking? LOL.

I would have to say that it was a slow read for me though, hence why I have not given it a perfect 5 stars. The real bulk of the story for me started when I was I think about half or probaly 60-70% on the book. That was where things started making sense and when the story really got more intense.

Oh and I did like the chemistry between Adam and Livia. They were attracted to each other yes but it wasn't i-want-to-be-with-you-forever-at-first-sight kind of love. I really liked that! That earned this book tons of points for me.

I really really hate cliche in books. It is very rare that a book will not have that type of pattern: girl is pretty but doesn't know it then goodlooking guy makes pretty girl feels she's beautiful, saves her from herself and then they live happily ever after! I just noticed that it has been a very common and overused type of plot in most of the YA books right now and its getting kind of old. Resilient, fortunately, is not one of them.

Oh did I say that I'm also a bit angry and upset?!
Why?
It's because of that freakin' cliffhanger!!

Oh geez you are so cruel!!
I'm just kidding. I'm not exactly angry. LOL.
Actually...

Looking forward to the next one!
Great debut novel!! :)


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